As soon as a baby is born, parents turn it into overdrive to ensure that their brand new family is as healthy and happy as possible. Parenthood can be extremely difficult and intimidating since there are tons of new rules and changes to your daily routine, but thankfully, your pediatric dentist in Virginia Beach has helpful dental tips for your child’s smile during infancy and further.
There’s a rumor that baby teeth aren’t necessarily important since they’re going to fall out. Don’t let those rumors fool you—these teeth play a necessary role for their overall oral and dental health, including their gums. Since their gums and teeth are much more sensitive than an adult’s, we want to ensure that they’re being properly cleaned, maintained, and monitored throughout their childhood.
As a baby, parents should wipe down their gums after each meal that they have with a gauze or damp washcloth. If you don’t, then you’re allowing their food to linger on their gums and risk becoming damaged or infected by growing bacteria. Once their teeth start to come in, make sure you’re still brushing them twice a day, just like you would your own teeth. Use a toothbrush that’s safe for their sensitive teeth and gums since bristles made for adult teeth can easily harm a child’s mouth.
Although cavities are one of the easiest dental issues to avoid, they’re also the most common within children. Did you know that children who develop cavities in their baby teeth are also more likely to develop them as an adult? It’s recommended that around the first birthday is the latest you should bring your child to the dentist; we’ll be able to perform a cleaning and exam and provide you with helpful ideas regarding dietary tips, cleaning routines, and more.
If you have any more questions about children’s dental care, our available services for kids, or would like to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist in Virginia Beach, simply give Gentle Dental Center a call today at our location closest to you: on Holland Road at (757) 431-1300, or on Landstown Center Way at (757) 689-2940.
