Oral Hygiene for
an infant. Oral hygiene for kids
starts early. It’s best to begin the
process as soon as a few days after birth.
In the beginning a wet washcloth or moist gauze can be used. It’s important to wipe a baby’s gums to help
remove plaque and residual food.
Oral hygiene for a young child. After eruption of a child’s first tooth
it is even more important to provide regular cleanings. As soon as a child’s molar teeth erupt it is
time to switch to a soft child sized toothbrush. It’s important to consult with a dentist
regarding when to start using fluoride toothpaste. Flossing is important when
teeth start to touch. Flossing helps
prevent cavities from forming between teeth.
By establishing an oral hygiene routine early, kids will be on track to
a lifetime of healthy teeth.
First Dental
Visit. When a child’s first tooth
erupts, it’s time to take them to the dentist.
Having the first dental visit by the first birthday has been shown to
decrease the likelihood of future cavities.
The first dental visit can be thought of as a well child visit at the
pediatrician’s office.
Components of the first dental visit include:
1)
Review of medical & dental histories
2)
Examination to determine if cavities are present
& how to prevent future cavities
3)
Dental cleaning
4)
Review and demonstration of correct oral hygiene
5)
Evaluation of fluoride exposure & a diet
analysis
6)
Assessment of oral growth and development
7)
Provide information on teething, pacifiers,
tooth grinding & thumb sucking
8)
Provide information and guidance regarding future
dental care
The next blog will discuss preventing decay for your
child and how to help a child get through thumb sucking. Please contact our office with any questions
and for your free infant dental kit. We
are located in Bloomington near the College Mall, next to Goodwill.
-Dr. Matt
Matthew L. Rasche,
DDS, MSD, Southern Indiana Pediatric Dentistry, www.SiPediatricDentistry.com, (812) 333-KIDS
