If you are a new parent, you have probably thought about when it would be the right time to brush your child’s teeth. Can you brush them right away, or should you wait it out? What techniques should you follow while brushing your child’s teeth? Should you visit a dentist downtown? If yes, how frequently? Luckily, the answers to these burning questions and more are right here. So, if you are a new parent wondering when to brush your baby’s teeth, here’s everything you need to know.
The Ideal Time to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth
You can often start brushing your child’s teeth as you notice them. You might want to use a toothbrush designed for kids and add a small dab of fluoride-based toothpaste. Initially, you may not even end up brushing much of your kid’s teeth. However, don’t let that deter you from brushing your child’s teeth and making it a habit.
As soon as your child starts to develop their teeth, make it a habit to brush their teeth twice a day. Try doing this simultaneously, so your kids get adjusted to a routine. And if you want them to be seriously interested in brushing their teeth, you might want to do it with them for a tad bit of motivation. It also helps set an excellent example wherein your kid starts brushing their teeth naturally after a point.
Things to Bear in Mind While Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
If you are brushing your baby’s teeth for the first time, you might want to follow the below tips for proper oral hygiene.
- Even when your child hasn’t developed their first set of teeth and is a baby, make it a point to wash their mouth every time they have food. Do not immediately use a toothbrush if your baby doesn’t have their tooth yet. Instead, take a clean and lukewarm cloth to wipe your child’s gums and the visible area near their tongue.
- Eventually, when your child starts to develop a tooth, you might want to use a baby toothbrush with soft bristles, wash it in running water, and add a little smear of your preferred fluoride-based toothpaste.
- While choosing toothbrushes for your little ones, make sure the brush only has a maximum of three bristle rows.
If you are confused about choosing the brush or the toothpaste, you might visit a dentist downtown. Most dentists will recommend toothbrushes with a set of soft bristles for your little ones. Also, if your kid is at least two months old, you should visit a dentist downtown at least once in three months or as suggested by the pediatrician.
Brushing Your Child’s Gums
As mentioned, you can start brushing your kids’ gums right off. It is an excellent way to battle bacterial infestation and builds the foundation for an ideal oral regime even before your child has their first teeth.
If you can’t use a cloth or a toothbrush, you might want to try a finger brush as recommended by your dentist. These brushes are easy to handle, and because they are made from silicone, you can count on them not being harsh on your child’s tiny gums.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Kid
While choosing a dentist for your little one, make sure they offer a versatile range of services and are reputed in business. This way, they can address any teeth issue that your child encounters. The best part of consistent checkups is expert dentists who can identify potential problems in your kids’ teeth.
Another factor to consider while choosing dentists is the quality of service. Check testimonials of the dental agency to find out if they are suitable for business. Review the online listing of the dentist and check their accounts on the yellow pages.
The third thing to check would be the nature of billing. Does the dental agency accept direct billing? If yes, that’s an excellent choice because your billings are completed faster, and your kids’ visit to the dentist is completed sooner.
Finally, you also want to check if the dental agency is available 24/7 to attend to your needs because you never know when a dental emergency pops up. Once you consider these factors, you are closer to choosing the best dentist downtown for your little one.