According to a kid friendly dentist in Huntsville, it is imperative that parents begin to introduce good oral hygiene habits at an early age. That said, with all the things parents must teach their children, toothbrushing often falls by the wayside. Then there is the fact that many adults simply do not know how to teach children to properly brush their teeth. A kid friendly dentist can help with the teaching process and hold parents accountable for young patients' oral health.
Many parents wait until a child's first tooth erupts to begin cleaning the mouth, but really, oral hygiene habits can and should begin as early as infancy. A mother or father can wipe a baby's mouth with a damp cloth after each feeding. Doing this helps the baby grow used to the sensation of having the mouth cleaned, so that by the time the first tooth does erupt and brushing is necessary, the baby will not reject a toothbrush.
It is not uncommon for parents to let a toddler wield a toothbrush and have at it. While it is great for parents to encourage toddlers to be independent, teeth brushing is something adults should take over until the child is school age, maybe older. Below are some tips to get parents started.
When brushing an infant or baby's mouth, parents should use water. Parents who wish to use any type of fluoridated product should run it by a dentist first. When a child is about two years old, parents can introduce the toddler to age-appropriate toothpaste. From ages two to about five, only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used.
As mentioned, a parent should brush a child's teeth for them until the child is of school age. Children are typically capable of brushing their own teeth starting between the ages of six and eight. However, parents should continue to thoroughly inspect a kid's teeth to ensure no spots are missed.
Children should brush and floss as often as adults should. That means twice a day, once in the morning and once right before bedtime. Of course, every child's oral health differs, so parents should discuss an adequate routine with the dentist.
A child's toothbrush needs to be replaced as frequently as an adult's, which is every three to four months. However, if a toothbrush looks worn or frayed, it is okay to throw it out sooner. When children get colds or the flu, parents should toss out the old toothbrushes to prevent the reintroduction of germs.
Parenting is not easy, as many learning curves are involved. Fortunately, there are plenty of professionals who are willing and able to help, such as a kid friendly dentist in Huntsville. Parents who have questions regarding the oral health and hygiene of an infant, toddler or school-aged child should contact a family dentist.
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