Your child’s dental hygiene starts from day one,

as soon as that first tooth erupts!

 
Tips to inhibit tooth decay in your little ones:

• Avoid letting your child walk around using a bottle of juice or milk as a pacifier.
• Avoid prolonged use of pacifiers and do NOT dip the pacifier in honey, sugar, or syrup.
• Begin teaching your child to drink from a cup at around 6 months of age.
• Try to stop using a bottle by age 12 – 14 months.
• Limit juice to fewer than 6 ounces per day during meals.
• Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, after each feeding, gently wipe your child’s teeth and gums with a clean washcloth or gauze to remove plaque.
• Begin toothbrushing as soon as your child has teeth. Brush your teeth together, at least at bedtime. If you have an infant or toddler, place a small amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste on a washcloth and rub gently on their teeth. You can switch to fluoridated toothpaste when you are sure that your child spits out all of the toothpaste after brushing. Older children can use a toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles. Use a very small amount of toothpaste (no more than the size of a pea).
• Begin flossing children’s teeth when all of the primary (baby) teeth have erupted (usually around age 2 1/2).
• If your baby is 6 months or older, use fluoridated water or a fluoride supplement if you have well water without fluoride.
• Inspect your child’s teeth regularly and begin dental visits when all of the baby teeth have erupted or at age 2 or 3, whichever comes first.

Always remember we are here for you with any questions or concerns you might have for your child’s dental health. Give us a call any time!