February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. At Schumer Family Dental Care, we know that good habits formed in childhood can help protect a person’s natural teeth for life. As with most things, care should change accordingly as your child grows into a young adult. Here are our recommendations for infants, children, and adolescents.
Toothless ‘Brushing’
Parents should begin oral care for their baby before teeth appear by wiping down their child’s gums with a clean, dry washcloth. Your child’s first tooth will appear sometime between their first six and twelve months of life: this is a good time to plan their first dental visit. Both before and after your child begins teething, it’s important to monitor their time with milk or juice-filled bottles, as excessive time with a bottle may cause tooth decay.
Caring for Primary Teeth
It’s typical for children to have their full set of primary teeth by the age of three. Though these teeth will ultimately be replaced by a permanent set later on, this is the ideal time to help your child build positive dental habits and associations. See what you can do to make brushing (twice daily, for two minutes) and flossing fun for them. Brushing with musical cues, telling stories, and allowing them to choose their own toothpaste and brush can help.
Permanent Teeth & Beyond
By the age of 13 your child will have almost all of their adult teeth. Your child should continue to brush twice daily and floss, taking extra care to work around braces if they are undergoing corrective treatment. Your child is likely enjoying greater independence, but if you notice they begin to neglect this routine, it’s important to remind them of the importance of caring for their teeth. Becoming more aware of one’s appearance is a natural part of growing up, and being able to show the world a healthy set of teeth can help your child feel their best!
Neglecting dental care routines early in life can lead to complications later on. If you’re looking for professional teeth whitening in Wood Dale, our nearby dental practice offers this and many more cosmetic services to help you get the smile you always wanted.