A Parents Guide: Healthy Teeth For Children

It’s important to instill good oral hygiene habits from a young age. There are several ways you can do this. Not only will taking care of your child’s teeth help them to keep these habits for life, but this will also keep their teeth strong and healthy. Our dentist in Calgary can share with you more ways to care for your child’s teeth.

Give Sunridge Dental Clinic a call today for additional information or to schedule an appointment with our dentist near you.

How to Care for a Baby’s Gums

Before your baby’s first teeth come in, you can begin wiping their gums twice daily. You should use a soft, damp cloth. You might also use a silicone finger brush on your baby’s gums. This will help your baby to get used to having their gums and teeth cleaned. Also, this removes the bacteria and buildup from your baby’s mouth.

When Do Children Get Their First Teeth?

A baby’s teeth start coming in around six months. All babies are different, though, so some may not get their teeth until they are a year old. Some babies get their teeth early, starting at three months.

Children’s teeth continue to come in until they are 24 to 31 months old. Once your baby’s teeth start coming in, there are a few ways to care for their teeth.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Use these tips to instill good oral hygiene habits in your child:

• Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks: Instead, your child should drink milk and water for nutritional benefits and overall health.
• Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle: If this happens, the milk sugars will remain in your baby’s mouth and lead to bacteria.
• Don’t put sugar on your baby’s pacifier: You should not put sugar or honey on your baby’s pacifier because it can harm their gums and teeth.
• Help your child use a cup before the age of one: This will help to increase their intake of water and milk too.
• Take your child to the dentist:Your child should go to the dentist around the age of one year or within six months of their first tooth coming in.
• Buy fluoride toothpaste: Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to help your child brush their teeth. Fluoride strengthens the teeth. Ask our dentist near you for information about age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.
• Help your child brush their teeth: Show your child how to brush their teeth. Ensure they don’t swallow any toothpaste and that they brush for a full two minutes.

For more information about instilling oral hygiene habits in children, contact Sunridge Dental Clinic today.