At What Age Should Parents Begin Brushing Their Child's Teeth?
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Oral health should be a top priority, starting at a very young age and continuing throughout one’s life. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, pediatric dentists Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Sandra Oh work with children and their families throughout Lawrenceville, GA to keep their smiles healthy and strong. Through routine cleanings and dental exams, our dentists can treat damaged teeth, help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and instruct families on improving dental hygiene habits at home.
When will my child’s first tooth appear?
Most infants won’t have their first tooth erupt until they are at least three months old. However, it’s important to help your baby maintain healthy gums while the teeth continue to develop under the oral tissue. Gums can be gently brushed daily with a damp washcloth or an infant rubber gum brush that fits over your finger.
At what age should parents begin brushing their child’s teeth?
Parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, which is after the first months of infancy. Use an infant toothbrush with water and a smear of pediatric fluoride toothpaste to gently brush the tooth (or teeth) twice daily. Continuing to brush the gums may alleviate teething pain and aid in additional tooth eruption.
When should my child start going to the dentist?
Our pediatric dentists encourage parents to schedule their children for their first dentist appointment before the age of one. Once your child has finished their initial appointment, you can collaboratively determine when the next appointment should occur.
Why routine dental cleanings are important
At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our dentists adhere to recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA) regarding routine dental cleanings. Dr. Jeni and Dr. Oh encourage families to schedule dental cleanings twice per year for the following reasons:
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To remove hard-to-reach tartar and plaque
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To polish the enamel with specialized dental tools
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To gently clean the gums
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To prepare the mouth for a routine dental exam to identify any areas of concern
Although many children do a good job of caring for their teeth at home, routine dental cleanings help get to those tricky spots that can develop into tooth decay and cavities.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings take place in one of our private treatment rooms at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry. We use specialized instruments to scale back plaque or tartar buildup around the teeth. In some cases, we may use ultrasonic instruments that combine vibration technology and water mist to clear debris from the teeth. Once the plaque is removed, the teeth are polished to remove stains and smooth the enamel. At the end of the appointment, we can provide fluoride treatments that come in the form of a flavored varnish that is applied to the enamel to prevent cavity formation.
How to improve your child’s oral health at home
Parents can improve their child’s oral health by considering the following tips for home use:
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Help supervise brushing and flossing for children with braces
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Encourage daily brushing, flossing, and mouth-rinsing
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Reduce your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks
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Incorporate the use of mouthguards during physical activity or contact sports
Learn more about routine pediatric dental cleanings
Schedule a consultation at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry if you reside in or near Lawrenceville, GA and would like to learn more about our routine dental services. Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Sandra Oh will happily work with you and your child to keep their smile bright and healthy.