Child/Infant Dental Care
Most children start seeing their first baby teeth at 6 months and typically have all 20 of their baby teeth by age 3. Please do not worry if your child is not developing their dentition strictly to these guidelines. They are widely accepted age ranges for the primary teeth and should be used as such. If you worry about the development of your child's dentition then please schedule an appointment with your dentist to verify that all of your child's teeth are growing in a healthy manner.
Most children start seeing their first baby teeth at 6 months and typically have all 20 of their baby teeth by age 3. Please do not worry if your child is not developing their dentition strictly to these guidelines. They are widely accepted age ranges for the primary teeth and should be used as such. If you worry about the development of your child's dentition then please schedule an appointment with your dentist to verify that all of your child's teeth are growing in a healthy manner.
What kind of toothpaste should my child be using and how much?
What kind of toothpaste should my child be using and how much?
As for the health of your child's baby teeth, a lot of the responsibility falls on the parents. A child does not have the physical ability or responsibility to brush their teeth unsupervised before the age of 3. Often times children need to be supervised while they brush, well after they are 3 years old. The ADA recommends your child brush with child appropriate levels of fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2 minutes each time, and flossing should become a regular habit as soon as the child has 2 teeth that touch. Below are the guidelines of how much toothpaste to use on a child sized brush.
As for the health of your child's baby teeth, a lot of the responsibility falls on the parents. A child does not have the physical ability or responsibility to brush their teeth unsupervised before the age of 3. Often times children need to be supervised while they brush, well after they are 3 years old. The ADA recommends your child brush with child appropriate levels of fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2 minutes each time, and flossing should become a regular habit as soon as the child has 2 teeth that touch. Below are the guidelines of how much toothpaste to use on a child sized brush.
0-3 years old: size of a grain of rice
0-3 years old: size of a grain of rice
3+ years old: pea sized
3+ years old: pea sized
Make sure you are using children's toothpaste and not adult toothpaste as they have differing levels of fluoride concentration. Also, some children's toothpaste does not contain fluoride. It is recommended that your child brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride, so to find out if their toothpaste contains fluoride look at the active ingredients section on the back of the tube.
Make sure you are using children's toothpaste and not adult toothpaste as they have differing levels of fluoride concentration. Also, some children's toothpaste does not contain fluoride. It is recommended that your child brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride, so to find out if their toothpaste contains fluoride look at the active ingredients section on the back of the tube.
When should you first visit the dentist with your child?
When should you first visit the dentist with your child?
Technically, as soon as the child's first tooth erupts through the gums they are able to be seen by a dentist. The ADA recommends a child visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts through the gums, or at a maximum by their first birthday. Many parents hold fast to this rule so their child can get used to dental appointments and start establishing a dental home. A strategy some parents use with their infants is to bring them to the parent's cleaning appointment, and have the dentist show the child how the visit is conducted and what all of the instruments look like. This is a great strategy because it helps the child create a baseline for their future, first appointment. We here at Omega Dental Center would be happy to meet you and your family, if you would like to make an appointment please click here to find our contact information Contact Us.
Technically, as soon as the child's first tooth erupts through the gums they are able to be seen by a dentist. The ADA recommends a child visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts through the gums, or at a maximum by their first birthday. Many parents hold fast to this rule so their child can get used to dental appointments and start establishing a dental home. A strategy some parents use with their infants is to bring them to the parent's cleaning appointment, and have the dentist show the child how the visit is conducted and what all of the instruments look like. This is a great strategy because it helps the child create a baseline for their future, first appointment. We here at Omega Dental Center would be happy to meet you and your family, if you would like to make an appointment please click here to find our contact information Contact Us.
For more information follow the links below
For more information follow the links below
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This information is meant solely for informational purposes and not as medical or dental advice. Please consult your physician before any dental procedures.