Most everyone knows taking care of their child’s teeth is a primary goal. The health of your child’s adult teeth can greatly depend upon how healthy their baby teeth were. Many parents do not realize caring for their child’s teeth should begin well before the first tooth ever breaks through the gums. By understanding how to care for your child’s teeth and what to expect from the Pediatric dentist in Indianapolis IN, you can be prepared to keep his or her teeth as healthy as possible.
How Should You Care for Your Child’s Teeth?
Caring for your child’s teeth begins when they are a baby, before they even have teeth. Using a soft wash cloth, you should gently massage your baby’s gums each day and wipe them clean. This keeps their gums healthy and gets them used to having dental care objects in their mouths. When it is time for the teeth to begin cutting through, this also encourages the teeth to break through and eases discomfort your baby may be feeling.
Once your baby has a tooth, you will need to stop using the wash cloth method and begin using a soft toothbrush. You should gently brush the teeth each day, using a non-fluoride toothpaste. As soon as your child cut’s his or her first tooth, it is time to schedule the first appointment with the Pediatric dentist in Indianapolis IN.
It is important for your child to begin having routine dental visits around the age of one. You should plan on the dentist seeing your child every six months. While he or she is still a baby, the visits will include a simple cleaning and exam. As the child gets older, the cleaning will involve flossing and fluoride treatments and your child will have X-rays. The dentist will monitor your child’s oral health until he or she reaches the age of eighteen.
If your child needs dental care and you want to learn more about the services offered by the pediatric dentist, visit Pediatric Dentistry West. They offer a wide array of services, to keep your child’s teeth healthy and help them develop a lifelong love of caring for their teeth.
