Caring For Children’s Teeth: A Guide For Parents
Healthy habits start young, and when it comes to dental care, early attention makes a lifetime of difference. At Eckdhal Family Dentistry in Monroe, WI, we understand the importance of building a strong foundation for your child’s oral health. From baby teeth to their first adult molars, here’s how to help your child maintain a bright and healthy smile.
When to Start Dental Care
Dental care begins before a baby even has teeth. After feedings, parents should gently wipe their baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth to remove buildup. Once the first tooth emerges, it’s OK to gently brush it with a soft, baby-sized toothbrush and plain water.
By age two or three, when most of the primary teeth have erupted, it’s time to introduce a fluoride toothpaste. A rice-sized amount is sufficient for younger children. Once a child can reliably spit, parents can give them a pea-sized amount.
Children should visit the dentist for their first check-up by their first birthday. Early visits are essential for monitoring growth and introducing kids to dental care in a friendly and non-intimidating way.
Developing Oral Care Habits
As children grow, parents should encourage them to brush twice daily. They should supervise brushing until children can handle it independently, ensuring all tooth surfaces are thoroughly clean. Flossing should begin when two teeth touch. Since flossing can be tricky for small hands, parents often need to assist. Flossing is a good habit to introduce early to ensure it becomes second nature as your children grow.
Equally important are regular dental cleanings and exams. At Eckdhal Family Dentistry, we recommend visits every nine months to keep children’s teeth healthy and catch potential issues early.
The Role of Nutrition in Healthy Teeth
What a child eats plays a big role in their oral health. Sugar is one of the biggest culprits of tooth decay, as it feeds the bacteria in the mouth that produce cavity-causing acids. Reducing sugary snacks and beverages like candy, juice, and soda is one of the best ways to protect a child’s teeth.
As much as possible, parents should encourage a diet rich in teeth-friendly foods. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery stimulate saliva production to naturally clean teeth and neutralize acids. Dairy products, which include milk, cheese, and yogurt, are excellent sources of calcium and phosphate, which help strengthen enamel.
Making water—particularly fluoridated water—the go-to beverage supports tooth health by washing away food particles and providing essential minerals. And while sweets are mostly inevitable, offering them with meals instead of as snacks helps reduce the impact of the sugar since saliva production increases during mealtime.
Building Healthy Habits for Life
Good dental care starts with small, consistent steps at home. By teaching proper hygiene, emphasizing healthy eating, and maintaining regular dental check-ups, parents can set children up for a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles.
If it’s time to schedule your or your child’s next appointment, please reach out to our dental office located in Monroe, WI. We look forward to speaking with you again soon!