At JVR Dental in Langley, we know how important it is for you to take proper care of your child’s dental healthcare even before they get their very first teeth. That is why we offer a wide range of pediatric dentistry treatments for children that will help maintain proper oral health. If you are unsure about how to properly care for your child’s teeth, here are some simple pediatric dentistry tips on how to care for your child’s first teeth.
Proper Cleaning Before Your Child’s First Teeth
Parents should start cleaning their children’s mouth even before their first teeth come in. Doing so will get both parent and child into the habit of good dental hygiene, and it gives baby or primary teeth a clean place to come into. The goal of cleaning the mouth before any teeth have come in is to wipe all parts of the gums and teeth.
In order to properly clean your child’s mouth, you should:
- Lie your baby in a comfortable place
- Make sure you can into your baby’s mouth
- Use a soft baby brush or wrap your finger in a clean, damp washcloth
- Brush or wipe your baby’s gums and teeth (do not use toothpaste until your child has teeth)
How to Properly Brush Your Child’s Teeth
It is important to brush your children’s teeth right before bedtime in order to get rid of the germs and sugars that cause cavities. Cleaning your child’s teeth right before bedtime can also help your child produce more saliva, which helps keep the mouth clean. In order to properly brush your child’s teeth, you should:
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth, pointing the bristles to where the gums meet.
- Use gentle circles. Do not scrub. Make sure to clean every surface of every tooth. For the front teeth, use the front part of the brush.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
The best kind of toothbrushes for children and adults alike are soft with rounded bristles. Make sure that the toothbrush is the right size for your child’s mouth, and that you replace the brush at least every 3 or 4 months. Once the bristles get bent or worn down, they will no longer do a good job and may end up hurting your child’s gums.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
When choosing the right toothpaste, make sure that the toothpaste you choose has fluoride (you can easily tell by looking for the symbol of the Canadian Dental Association). When brushing your children’s teeth, you should only use a small amount of toothpaste. It is also important to make sure that your child spits out the toothpaste, as excessive swallowing of toothpaste can result in dental fluorosis.
If you would like more information about how to care for your child’s first teeth, or if you are looking for a Langley dentist, please contact JVR Dental at 604-371-3137 or by filling out a contact form on our website. Dr. Leana and the JVR Dental team specialize in a variety of dental services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and more.