What You Need to Know About Child Dental Care

Last updated 1 year ago

The dental habits children form when they are young create a foundation for the rest of their lives. By taking good care of your child’s teeth and scheduling regular dental checkups for your child with your family dentist, you can ensure a healthy future for your child.

Infant Care
Even before your baby has teeth, you should clean his/her gums regularly to prevent bacterial buildup. As soon as teeth appear, brush them twice daily with a soft children’s toothbrush. It is generally recommended to take your baby to a dentist around his or her first birthday to check for any early problems. This is also a chance for parents to learn how to brush their baby’s tiny teeth.

Childhood Habits
Good oral hygiene habits should be encouraged from an early age. Children should brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Children should only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to discourage swallowing too much of it. Flossing is another good way to prevent cavities and promote gum health. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride tablets to harden the enamel of the teeth and keep bacteria away.

Cavity Prevention
You can help prevent cavities by avoiding sugary snacks for your kids, especially sticky snacks and sweet drinks. Bacteria in the mouth use the sugar as food. These bacteria produce acids that eat away at the enamel, making a hole in the tooth. Your dentist may place sealants, or thin, invisible plastic resins that seal the biting surface of the teeth off from bacteria. This is done especially on the adult molars.

Pediatric and family dentists understand child dental care and know what to look for in a developing mouth. Dr. Stuart Feurstein, DMD specializes in family dentistry as well as cosmetic treatments and drill-free laser procedures. For more information about our services, call (914) 752-4239 or contact our office online today.