| Children |
679-Dove |
| Health | Dentistry | Children | Seniors |
You may be surprised to learn that proper dental care, even before your baby's teeth come in, is important. After each feeding, gently wipe his or hers gums with a damp cloth or piece of gauze to help remove plaque. During your baby's first visit, the dentist can evaluate whether the facial bone and teeth are developing normally and look for signs of hidden decay. Your dentist will provide tips on taking care of your baby's emerging teeth. As soon as his or her teeth come in, you can begin flossing and brushing. When brushing, use a soft bristle brush and just a wee dab of fluoride toothpaste. Things
to avoid:
These things can cause sugars to pool in your baby's mouth and cause tooth decay. If you must give a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water (preferably distilled). Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers: This is a normal habit and is generally harmless as long as it is discontinued before the permanent teeth come in. Most children outgrow thumb sucking around the age of four. If not, they should be encouraged to stop to avoid damaging the alignment of their growing teeth and facial bones. |