A Guide to Child Dental Care

Last updated 3 months ago

Although your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by their permanent teeth, it is still essential to care for your toddler’s teeth. Learn more about how to care for your child’s teeth with this dental care guide for children:

Start Dental Care Early
Dental care for your child should begin even before his or her first tooth comes in. After feedings, use a wet washcloth or gauze to gently rub down your baby’s gums. Cleaning your baby’s gums will prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause damage to your baby’s teeth.

Brush Your Child’s Teeth
Around one year old, it’s time to begin brushing. Use a soft child’s toothbrush to brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of the teeth with water. By three years old your child should be brushing at least twice daily. Around two to three years of age, you can start using fluoride toothpaste. Use a pea-sized amount and be sure your child doesn’t ingest the toothpaste.

Take Your Child for Dental Check-Ups
Take your child for his or her first dental check-up around his or her first birthday. Early dental appointments will allow your dentist to recognize dental problems early and help reduce your child’s fear of the dentist as he or she grows older. Schedule your child’s first cleaning at three years old.

Prepare Your Child a Well-Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet is essential to dental care. Try to limit starchy and sugary foods that produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay. Fresh fruits and vegetables help to keep teeth healthy from the inside out and also help remove plaque during chewing.

If you are looking for a dentist in Belmont or Cambridge, trust the experienced and gentle dentists of the Belmont Dental Group. Our patients with dental anxiety can take comfort in sedation dentistry. To schedule your appointment, call us at (617) 209-4058 today.