It’s never too early to start brushing your baby’s teeth. As soon as the first tooth erupts, you can begin brushing daily. Developing an effective oral hygiene routine for your child from an early age leads to a healthier mouth throughout childhood. Dr. Kamiti Harden, the friendly and experienced pediatric dentist at Simply Children's Dentistry in Savannah, GA, provides a full range of children’s dentistry services to help your little one maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Early Oral Hygiene Habits
You can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits by implementing a daily routine as soon as your baby’s first tooth comes in. By the time your little one is old enough to brush and floss on their own, they’ll be used to the routine you’ve already established. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help prevent cavities and other oral health issues.
When caring for your baby’s teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride-free training toothpaste. Using a toothpaste without fluoride is best since young children might accidentally swallow some toothpaste during brushing. You can switch to a toothpaste with fluoride when your child is around three years of age or according to your dentist’s recommendation. Also, be sure to brush gently to protect sensitive gums.
Dental Visits
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting. Most kids get their first tooth at around six months of age so your baby should see the dentist by their first birthday. Scheduling checkups every six months after that will help your little one maintain better oral health.
During your baby’s first dental visit, the caring children’s dentistry team at our office in Savannah will put your child at ease so they feel comfortable coming back for additional checkups and cleanings. Regular visits give our skilled pediatric dentist a chance to monitor your child’s oral health and identify potential issues right away. As your child gets older, the dentist might recommend various preventive measures, such as dental sealants or fluoride treatments, to help maintain a healthy mouth.
Caring for your baby’s teeth is as simple as developing a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes gently brushing the teeth twice a day and scheduling regular dental checkups. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harden, call Simply Children's Dentistry in Savannah, GA, at (912) 353-9993.