Family Dentistry |3 min read

Infancy Through Childhood: Instill Good Brushing Habits

infant dental exam Las Vegas

New Las Vegas parents may be surprised by the American Dental Association’s–and your general dentist--recommendations on infant oral care. Parents are advised to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. After all, brand-new teeth are just as vulnerable to cavities as older teeth.

Parents are encourage to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come in, it becomes more critical for the teeth to be brushed after each meal or, at least, twice a day.

It is critical to elect the proper toothbrush, in order to make brushing time as pleasant as possible. A soft bristled brush is best with a small amount of toothpaste. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are beneficial. Also, there are circle and triangular-shaped brushes that allow your toddler to walk around with their brush with less chance of injury in case of a fall.

If the toothpaste is causing an unpleasant struggle, brush without toothpaste. The goal is to remove food parts that will create bacteria followed by plaque and then cavities.

When two teeth touch, it’s time to floss. Flossing is important to make sure no food is lodged between the teeth. Proper flossing requires fine motor skills which most children don’t develop before age six or seven. Parents need to assist with flossing until they are sure their child can do it effectively.

Until the child is old enough to properly brush his or her teeth, they should receive adult supervision and guidance. Instilling the proper brushing and flossing procedures will reap lifelong benefits. While it may seem that supervising them is time consuming, remember that it’s creating a daily habit that will safeguard their health. Also, dental expenses related to poor oral hygiene will be avoided.

Your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. It may seem early, but just as your Las Vegas pediatrician sees your baby regularly to make sure their physical health is on track and counsel you about your critical role, you can trust in your dentist to look out for potential problems and counsel you about how to help your child keep a healthy smile.

Seek your dentist’s counsel regarding pacifiers and sippy cups, nighttime bottles, and X-ray safety. Dentist can advise parents with older children about sealants, tooth protection for athletics, and orthodontics.

If you live in the Las Vegas area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call Providence Dental at 702-852-2244 to schedule your child’s dental appointment with Dr. Steven Do. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our Las Vegas dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist.

Be sure to check our website at https://www.providencedental.com/blog/ for more information about our services. We provide pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, porcelain veneers, and dental implants.

 

Contact Providence Dental:

702-852-2244

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

7181 N Hualapai Way Ste 105
Las Vegas, Nevada
89166