Child tooth brushing is extremely important for good oral health. Many people think that because a baby tooth is meant to fall out, it is not important to brush regularly. This is completely and utterly false. In fact it is quite the opposite. Your oral health as a child can have a big impact on your oral health as an adult and even your general health. That is why it is important for parents to take care of their child's teeth and to teach their children to take care of their teeth as soon as they can.
Child tooth brushing should begin the minute the baby first tooth comes in. This generally occurs when the child is around 6 months of age, but it can even be as late as 12 months. In some rare instances a child can be born with a tooth already there, called a neonatal tooth. Child dental care should even begin before the first tooth arrives, with good gum care. This means washing the gums with a soft, moist cloth twice a day.
Learning proper child tooth brushing is important for parents. The first thing to do is go buy a baby toothbrush. These are designed especially for a baby's teeth. It is often suggested to use a non-fluoride toothpaste, at least until the age of 6 or so. This is because study's show that most children under this age tend to swallow the toothpaste and this can create a problem known as fluorosis. This is a slight cosmetic damage to the teeth caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride. Clean the baby's mouth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Also, make sure not to leave your child with a baby bottle at night as this may cause a problem known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
If would like more information on child tooth brushing or if you are seeking child dental care, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team is one of the most experienced in Atlanta. Our Atlanta dentists have over 20 years of experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule an appointment with our senior Atlanta family dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, feel free to call us at 404-874-7428.