Healthy gums and teeth are important for your child’s
overall health. It’s important to start thinking about good oral health even
before your little one has any teeth. A few days after your baby is born, start
wiping their gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. This helps remove
plaque that can harm teeth about to come in. At the first sign of a tooth
coming through gently brush your little ones teeth with a child’s size
toothbrush. Moisten the toothbrush with water and use toothpaste that contains
fluoride. (There is no need to wait until the age of two anymore). It is also
time to schedule their first dental visit. The American Dental Association
recommends that your child’s first dental visit should be within 6 months after
their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday.
For children younger than three years, help your child brush
and use no more than a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste containing
fluoride. Brush their teeth two times a day (morning and night) or as directed
by a physician or dentist. For children three to six years of age, you can use
a pea sized amount. Continue to help your child at this age, and remind them
not to swallow the toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, this
is the time to start flossing every day.
Fluoride varnish is another safe way to protect your little
ones teeth. It helps prevent cavities, and can stop cavities that have already
started. The varnish is painted on at a doctor’s office or a dentist’s office. Last
year, Clinton County Health Department partnered with all three of the large
pediatric practices in Clinton County. Now all three pediatric practices offer
fluoride varnish treatments. The next time you see your child’s doctor or
dentist ask about fluoride varnish.
For more information follow these links.
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