Pediatric dentistry is a critical, and yet often overlooked, type of dentistry that is designed to suit children. While all children should receive professional dental treatment, some parents simply don’t know where to start. So today our Glendale family dentists have put together a question and answer series to help you understand the basics of pediatric dentistry.
Q: When should a child start seeing a dentist?
A: When you have an infant, you can simply clean their mouths by running a wet washcloth over their gums. However, as your baby ages you should schedule an appointment with your dentist so that your dentist can assess your baby’s oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist before the age of one.
Q: What about brushing? When do children start taking care of their own teeth?
A: Pretty much as soon as your child can hold a toothbrush and brush his/her teeth you should start establishing morning and night oral hygiene routines. Help your children learn how to brush for the recommended time period—at least two minutes—and in using small circular motions. Help your children develop good oral hygiene habits that will last for years to come!
Q: What kind of toothpaste should my kids use?
A: If your children are old enough to brush their teeth without swallowing toothpaste, then they can use a standard toothpaste that adults would use. Children who still swallow toothpaste, however, should use a toothpaste without fluoride, so that they don’t develop dental fluorosis (a condition caused when children with developing teeth ingest fluoride).
Do you have a question that we didn’t address in today’s article? If so, give our Glendale dentist office a call to get the answers you need. We’re here to help your entire smile get happy, healthy teeth!