New Marble Falls parents may be surprised by the American Dental Association’s 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 dental caries as older teeth. Parents are encouraged to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to wipe each tooth. At Ritchie Dental Group. we advise starting good oral habits at an early age.
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 decide on 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 useful. 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 fragments 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 must assist with flossing until they are sure their child can do it effectively. Until the child is old enough to brush his or her teeth properly, 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 forming a daily habit that will protect 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 Marble Falls pediatrician sees your baby regularly to make sure their physical health is on track and counsels you about your critical role, you can depend on your dentist to look out for potential issues and guide 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. Dentists can advise parents with older children about sealants, tooth protection for athletics, and orthodontics.
If you live in the Horseshoe Bay area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call Ritchie Dental Group at 830-693-8833 to schedule your child’s dental appointment with Dr. Greg Ritchie. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our Marble Falls dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist.
