Keeping Those Pearly Whites Clean: The Importance of Early Dental Care {Guest Post}

By: Dr. Rosie Roland, Miami Children’s Hospital

Healthy teeth and gums are an important part of a child’s overall health. They help your child eat, speak and flash those oh-so-cute smiles.

Sure, most parents know to teach their kids good brushing and flossing habits. But just how soon should you start?

Proper dental care begins far before a child’s first tooth comes out. In fact, by the time a baby is born, they have 20 primary teeth almost fully developed in their jaw.

Beyond Brushing
New parents should be conscious of their child’s oral health right from the start. And a good way to avoid problems, it’s a good idea to practice good feeding habits even before their teeth start showing. Running a damp washcloth over your baby’s gums after feeding time, for instance, is a good way to prevent buildup. It also may be a good idea to avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle, as this can cause buildup of harmful bacteria.

Sugars from milk and juice that remain on a baby’s teeth for hours can cause a medical condition known as bottle mouth. This can not only cause damage to tooth enamel, but result in cavities in primary teeth. Children with severe cases of bottle mouth may sometimes have to have their baby teeth pulled until permanent ones come in.

And of course, by the time your child is 2 or 3 years old, they should be brushing at least twice a day with a special toothbrush designed for small children.

Visiting the Dentist
Your child’s first dental visit should typically take place by the time he or she is 1 year old. The first visit usually includes the dentist guiding your through proper brushing and flossing techniques, and checking your child’s teeth and gums for signs of any developing problems.

As they grow older, routine cleanings, fluoride treatments and x-rays should take place every three months to a year.

The Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program at Miami Children’s Hospital has a team of knowledgeable dental specialists trained to handle a wide range of issues associated with pediatric dental health.

For more information, visit the Dental Services page on mch.com.