Some parents are not sure when to take their kids to the dentist. There are a few rules to follow when thinking about children dental care. Knowing what age to begin dental practices and start booking dentist appointments, may help to keep a family healthy and cavity free.
Babies can begin to receive special treatment right from a small age. A parent can use a small piece of gauze to rub along the baby's gum line. That may help to keep any food or milk away from sitting on the gum line. If a new tooth pokes through and becomes infected it could become painful for the infant.
As toddlers they may begin drinking juice and having milk residue on their teeth. That is why is is important to not allow kids to fall asleep with bottles or cups with juice or milk. Over time the liquid can cause rotted teeth, especially in the front. If there are any signs of trouble, parents should take their children as young as infancy or the toddler age to get checked out.
When a child is an older toddler, they may start using the toddler toothpaste. Parents will need to assist with brushing and stay with their child while they are doing it. The teeth can be brushed up and down and the tongue. Kids may learn a routine that they can follow in the morning and before bed.
As a preschooler, parents may start to take them to the dentist office. A checkup could include a looking in the mouth and a simple cleaning. The dental professional may look for cavities or any other issues in the mouth. Cavities may appear like tiny black dots. They could be anywhere on the teeth and show signs of pain or no pain at all. Dentists will assess the area to determine if it needs to be filled or not.
After the first visit, families may return once a year for a follow up appointment. Professionals in an office may have advice about certain brands to use of toothpaste and what routine that child may use. The suggestions will be based on the child's age and stage of tooth care.
Children dental care may begin as early as infancy, however there is a different process for each age group. When parents learn what works with their children and how to manage healthy teeth and gum lines, they may find that they have a healthy family.