*This is a contributed post. I only accept contributed posts when I feel they can be relevant to the readers of Sunshine and Holly.*
Many new parents will worry about knowing when their child will start teething. Any experienced parent will have one answer to any such questions: don’t worry – they’ll make sure you know about it! Lol! (Maddie especially had a difficult time with teething. She woke us up for nights on end when she had a tooth popping through!) While kids’ first set of teeth aren’t permanent, it’s still super important that you keep on top of them to guarantee good oral hygiene and prevention of gum disease, decay, and other dental problems. Read on for a complete guide to everything you need to know about your child’s oral health.
Is It Time to Start Booking Dental Appointments?
Many of us are unsure about the right time for your little one’s first dental appointment. It’s recommended that your children visit a dentist before or around their first birthday. This may seem early, but it allows the dentist to form a trusting relationship with your child and for your child to get used to being in the dentist’s chair. The dentist will be able to do a modified check up, generally while the child is sitting on your lap. These visits can help to identify any problems early, allowing them to be resolved before they start to cause your little one inconvenience or pain. So, book an appointment with a trusted clinic in your area, like Sol Dental Care (for my readers in El Paso) to get the process started sooner rather than later.
When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
Just because you can’t see your child’s teeth, doesn’t mean they’re not there! Your baby’s teeth actually begin to develop in the second trimester of your pregnancy. So, lurking beneath those little gums are about twenty baby teeth, just waiting to protrude from the surface. You should monitor your child’s oral hygiene before their first teeth even come through. Before your child has teeth, you should gently wipe down their gums with a soft, clean, damp cloth in order to remove any bacteria that may be there. As soon as teeth start breaking through, it’s time to invest in a small, soft bristled toothbrush designed especially for infants. Use water and a small amount of toothpaste. Whichever brand you opt for, there will be instructions as to how much you should use on the tube. You may have an easier time using toothpaste specifically made for kids. These tend to have more tolerable flavors for little mouths, as mint can often be overpowering or spicy for little ones. However, you need to ensure that your child doesn’t swallow the foam. This is why a small amount of paste is recommended.
When Should I Start Flossing My Child’s Teeth?
As soon as your child’s teeth touch, bacteria can start hiding away in the hard to reach gaps that toothbrush bristles are unable to reach. So, when neighboring teeth touch, it’s time to start flossing. Remember to be extremely gentle. You can even try using floss sticks made specifically for kids.
Not only will these small steps ensure that your child’s teeth remain pearly white and squeaky clean, but they will also get your child off to a good start with their dental routine. Before you know it, they’ll be brushing their teeth themselves! So it’s beneficial to get them familiar with the protocol and into good habits from an early age.
