Infant Oral Care
Oral care for kids changes as they age. When a baby has no teeth, for example, it’s important to run a warm, wet washcloth over their gums at least once per day to clear away bacteria. Once they have a few teeth, you should use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and apply a very small amount of toothpaste on it, about the size of a grain of rice. Once your child has more teeth that need to be brushed, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea.
Brushing & Flossing
Flossing is another important aspect of an at-home oral care routine. We recommend getting dental floss holders to make flossing your child’s teeth faster and easier. Baby teeth tend to sit farther apart than adult teeth, so flossing does not have to be added into their oral care routine until they have two or more teeth that are touching. Most kids will need help brushing and flossing their teeth until they are coordinated enough to tie their own shoes. That usually happens around six or seven years old.
Healthy Diet
Diet is another important aspect of children’s oral health. Sugar is widely known to cause cavities, so sweet foods like cookies and candy should be limited. The same goes for sugary drinks like juice, power drinks and soda. Even starchy foods like chips and white bread can contribute to cavities. This is because when starches linger in the mouth for an extended period of time, they break down into simple sugars. An easy solution to this problem is to have your child drink water with their dessert or starchy snack to wash away these cavity-causing sugars.
Regular Visits to Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry
A thorough at-home oral care routine is the most important factor in keeping your child’s smile healthy. But it’s only one part of maintaining positive oral health. In addition to keeping their teeth and gums clean at home, kids should also visit the dentist regularly for pediatric dental cleanings and exams. Our dentist can apply dental sealants to their teeth to protect their molars from tooth decay. Regular fluoride treatments can help strengthen their tooth enamel. To schedule your child’s next dental visit with our San Antonio team, please contact our office!