Happy February from Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry! February is National Children’s Dental Health Month which makes it a perfect time for Maria Higgins, our own Dental Hygienist, to review some of the important steps in keeping your child’s smile healthy! Join Maria on today’s blog to discover dental health tips for the whole family.
Dental care for your child begins in infancy. After mealtimes, wipe your baby’s gums with a cloth to keep the mouth clean. It’s also important to note that Infants experience sore gums when teething. To remedy this, a parent can tenderly massage their infant’s gums with a gauze pad for comfort. When your child reaches their toddler stage of development they will need supervision when brushing. While you're teaching your child their oral hygiene routine they might struggle with staying engaged and excited. Try implementing the use of a calendar that shows 2 entries that they must cross off after brushing.
As to which toothpaste to choose, Dr. Hudis recommends a non-fluoridated toothpaste until the child can learn to spit. Older children, approximately 6 and over, should use a fluoridated toothpaste and start supervised flossing. A soft toothbrush that is age and size appropriate is also recommended. In terms of toothpaste amount, more than the size of a green pea is unnecessary.
A crucial part of maintaining your child’s dental health is ensuring they are eating a nutritious diet! Foods like crunchy vegetables and fruits are excellent for stimulating gum tissue. Milk is a great choice as a healthy beverage for a child's developing teeth as it contains calcium.
A child's first dental visit should be at approximately age 2. That is unless a parent can see visible signs of decay in the child's mouth, in which case a dental visit at a younger age is appropriate. Your child may experience slight anxiety before their first appointment so preparing them is a must. A child can visit the dental office with a parent or older sibling before their initial visit. They can meet the staff and sit in the dental chair. A treasure box is a nice idea for a child to take a toy upon dismissal.
If you want to learn more about dental health we are always happy to help! Ask us the next time you are in for an appointment. Until then, have a happy and healthy February!
