If you are the parent of a young child, you may be nervous about taking him or her to see a Children’s Dentist in North Royalton OH. The good news is that you can keep your child from needing to visit the dentist very often by regularly and properly taking care of your child’s teeth and gums. However, many parents do not know completely how best to do this. Here are some basic tips and guidelines to follow when caring for your child’s teeth.
Many parents are not aware of when to start brushing their child’s teeth. The truth is it is never too early to be lightly brushing your child’s teeth. Parents can start gently “brushing” their child’s gum using a damp cloth or a clean finger before the child’s teeth actually break through his or her gums. When the child’s teeth break through the gums, parents should start brushing these small teeth with water. When the child reaches around two and a half years of age, parents can start using toothpaste specifically designed for children. Flossing should begin as soon as two teeth grow in next to each other.
Regular flossing and brushing is the best thing you can do for your young child’s oral health. Once the child’s first teeth break through, parents should begin brushing the child’s teeth after every meal, and avoid sending the child to bed with any drink other than water. If you have any questions about whether you are brushing and flossing your child’s teeth appropriately and with enough regularity, you should consult with a Children’s Dentist in North Royalton OH.
The concern then becomes what a parent can do when the child fights, screams, or cries when the parent is brushing and flossing his or her teeth. If parents can brush the child’s teeth slowly, this may help the child feel more comfortable. Brushing too quickly may make the child feel uncomfortable and runs the risk of causing damage to the child’s gums. Many parents make use of toothbrushes that play music to help distract the child and let them know when they are done.
When your child is old enough to brush his or her own teeth, you may want to consult with a Children’s Dentist In North Royalton OH about some proven methods that you can use to make brushing teeth easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for the child.
