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[ID] => 192
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[post_date] => 2013-05-08 12:53:43
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[post_content] => 5 Essential Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Baby Teeth
At Brightside Dental Care, we believe that early dental care is crucial for your child's overall health. Did you know that even though baby teeth are temporary, they can still develop painful cavities that affect eating, sleeping, and learning? Here are five essential tips for taking care of baby teeth to ensure your child has a bright and healthy smile:
-
Start Early: Right from birth, use a soft washcloth or an infant toothbrush with water to clean your child’s gums. This habit helps make tooth brushing easier as your baby gets used to having their mouth cared for.
-
Toothpaste Guidelines: Use only non-fluoridated toothpaste until your child is 2-3 years old. After that, use a pea-sized amount of regular toothpaste and supervise them until they can spit out the toothpaste without swallowing, typically around ages 6-7.
-
Regular Checks: Lift your baby's top lip at least once a month to check for brown or black spots along the gum line. This is one of the most common places for baby tooth decay to occur.
-
Introduce Flossing: Begin flossing when the first two teeth touch, usually around 4-5 months. Establishing this habit early is key to long-term dental health.
-
Protect Against Germs: Cavity-causing germs can be transferred from mother to baby through kisses, tasting food, or sharing pacifiers. Taking care of your own dental health can help protect your baby's teeth.
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit at Brightside Dental Care
Your child should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early visits help build a positive relationship with their dental team and encourage good dental hygiene habits.
At Brightside Dental Care, we prioritize your child's comfort during their first visit. Our specially trained staff will help your child familiarize themselves with the dental environment. Plus, through our Free Under Three program, children aged three and under receive their first dental visit completely free at any of our locations in Brandon, Stonewall, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg!
Managing Soothers, Bottles, and Thumb Sucking
To minimize the oral health risks associated with soothers, bottles, and thumb sucking, it's important to understand "baby bottle tooth decay." This occurs when sugary drinks like juice or soda repeatedly expose your child's upper front teeth to decay.
To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, follow these guidelines:
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains only water.
- Avoid putting juice, soda, or sweet drinks in a bottle or sippy cup.
- Children should not fall asleep with a bottle.
- Do not dip pacifiers in sugar or honey.
While sucking is a natural reflex for infants, prolonged thumb or soother sucking can lead to crowded or crooked teeth. Encourage your child to stop thumb sucking as soon as possible. If the habit persists, our team at Brightside Dental Care can offer effective strategies to help.
Visit Us Today!
At Brightside Dental Care, with locations in Brandon, Stonewall, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg, we’re committed to ensuring your child’s dental health from their very first tooth. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our services!
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Services
Babies
5 Essential Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Baby Teeth
At Brightside Dental Care, we believe that early dental care is crucial for your child’s overall health. Did you know that even though baby teeth are temporary, they can still develop painful cavities that affect eating, sleeping, and learning? Here are five essential tips for taking care of baby teeth to ensure your child has a bright and healthy smile:
-
Start Early: Right from birth, use a soft washcloth or an infant toothbrush with water to clean your child’s gums. This habit helps make tooth brushing easier as your baby gets used to having their mouth cared for.
-
Toothpaste Guidelines: Use only non-fluoridated toothpaste until your child is 2-3 years old. After that, use a pea-sized amount of regular toothpaste and supervise them until they can spit out the toothpaste without swallowing, typically around ages 6-7.
-
Regular Checks: Lift your baby’s top lip at least once a month to check for brown or black spots along the gum line. This is one of the most common places for baby tooth decay to occur.
-
Introduce Flossing: Begin flossing when the first two teeth touch, usually around 4-5 months. Establishing this habit early is key to long-term dental health.
-
Protect Against Germs: Cavity-causing germs can be transferred from mother to baby through kisses, tasting food, or sharing pacifiers. Taking care of your own dental health can help protect your baby’s teeth.
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit at Brightside Dental Care
Your child should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early visits help build a positive relationship with their dental team and encourage good dental hygiene habits.
At Brightside Dental Care, we prioritize your child’s comfort during their first visit. Our specially trained staff will help your child familiarize themselves with the dental environment. Plus, through our Free Under Three program, children aged three and under receive their first dental visit completely free at any of our locations in Brandon, Stonewall, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg!
Managing Soothers, Bottles, and Thumb Sucking
To minimize the oral health risks associated with soothers, bottles, and thumb sucking, it’s important to understand “baby bottle tooth decay.” This occurs when sugary drinks like juice or soda repeatedly expose your child’s upper front teeth to decay.
To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, follow these guidelines:
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains only water.
- Avoid putting juice, soda, or sweet drinks in a bottle or sippy cup.
- Children should not fall asleep with a bottle.
- Do not dip pacifiers in sugar or honey.
While sucking is a natural reflex for infants, prolonged thumb or soother sucking can lead to crowded or crooked teeth. Encourage your child to stop thumb sucking as soon as possible. If the habit persists, our team at Brightside Dental Care can offer effective strategies to help.
Visit Us Today!
At Brightside Dental Care, with locations in Brandon, Stonewall, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg, we’re committed to ensuring your child’s dental health from their very first tooth. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our services!
