A Kid Friendly Dentist in Dumont Offers Insight Into Properly Cleaning Baby Teeth

kid-friendly dentist Dumont, NJ

A kid-friendly dentist in Dumont can provide valuable insight for parents who want to know the proper ways to keep their child’s teeth clean. With the myriad of information out there, it can be beneficial to consult a pediatric dentist who deals mostly with children regarding the baby’s oral health. Just as it is vital to address the challenges of teething, parents also need to learn how to care for the teeth after they fully erupt.

Proper ways to care for a baby’s teeth

One common misconception parents have about a baby’s oral health is that caring or brushing the child’s teeth is not so important since the teeth will eventually fall out. This is erroneous because babies are just as prone to tooth decay as older kids and adults. Also, baby teeth play crucial roles in the child’s development, especially speech and eating.

The starting point in a child oral hygiene

Cleaning a child’s mouth does not have to begin when their tooth starts coming in. According to the American Dental Association, parents are advised to start cleaning their child’s teeth before the first tooth erupts using a soft damp cloth or gauze. A child’s first tooth typically comes in when they are between six and 12 months. Tooth decay can happen at the time too.

Using toothpaste and toothbrush

According to a kid-friendly dentist, parents need to get an age-appropriate toothbrush for their kids. It is advisable to use only a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Brushing can be done with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Dental professionals recommend using small-sized amounts of toothpaste – a tiny smear for kids below three years and pea-sized for those between three to six years old. Parents can ask the kid-friendly dentist about the proper way to clean their child’s teeth.

Ideally, brushing should be done in the morning and at night before bedtime. The toothbrush should be replaced every three months or once it starts shedding out. Parents should stick to a manual toothbrush and should only consider electric toothbrushes when the child is over three years old.

Brushing should cover all surfaces and be done in small circles. If the child is old enough to handle a toothbrush, parents need to supervise them and ensure they clean their teeth properly. The child should be cautioned against swallowing or licking toothpaste. There is no need to rinse with water as it will only wash out the fluoride.

The risks of tooth decay in babies

If parents fail to clean their baby’s teeth thoroughly, it could lead to tooth cavities. Sugars from sources like juices and baby formula often cause tooth cavities. If the sugar is not cleaned from the teeth, it will become food for the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay, thus leading to a need to visit a kid-friendly dentist. 

In conclusion

Good oral health habits should start within the first few weeks of the child’s life. Parents must learn to clean their child’s teeth and keep the child healthy once the first teeth erupt. Following the instructions of a kid-friendly dentist, they can rest assured that their child will get proper oral care.

Request an appointment here: https://novapedsdentistry.com or call Nova Pediatric Dentistry at (201) 812-2952 for an appointment in our Dumont office.

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