There is a lot to learn when caring for a baby. Did you know that dental care is important for your baby, even before his or her teeth come in? Your child should start seeing the dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually around six to twelve months. The most important reason is to begin an in-depth prevention program. Dental problems can begin early, and the earlier you take your child to the dentist, the better the chance of preventing dental problems later in life. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence.
Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits. It’s important that children do not fall asleep with a bottle of juice or milk. Doing so could allow sugar to remain on teeth overnight. Drinking from a cup rather than a bottle can help prevent tooth decay, as well. It’s best to encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday.
Additional Tips:
- See that your children eat regular nutritious meals rather than junk food.
- Make sure that you arrange for regular dental checkups for your children every 6 months.
- Make sure that your children use fluoride toothpastes to brush their teeth and teach them to floss every day.
It’s important that parents teach good oral health habits to their kids at an early age because healthy teeth are essential for children’s general health and well-being. Most dental problems can be prevented with the simple steps described above.