Bringing a baby into the world is a wonderful blessing, and Central Florida Health Care recommends starting oral hygiene treatments on a child as soon as they are born.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and growing up healthy includes a daily dental hygiene routine. It begins when children are infants. Parents are encouraged to wipe a baby’s mouth twice daily and sanitize bottles and pacifiers. Babies need to visit the dentist by age one. The earlier they learn to care for their teeth properly, the more they will grow into living healthier lifestyles as adults.
Jennifer Reichert, Central Florida Health Care’s Medical Dental Integration Coordinator, says, “Dental Hygienists can start applying fluoride varnish as soon as the infant starts to erupt teeth. I always educate parents on how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay and advise them on weaning their baby from a bottle by their first birthday. If the baby uses a pacifier, they should stop by 15 months.”
As children grow, establish a good brushing routine. Always supervise their brushing. Use fluoride toothpaste, just a smear twice a day, if they’re under 6, and use a pea-sized dab of fluoride for those six and older.
Reichert also recommends giving children little to no sugary drinks. It’s essential to stay wary of sugar-free or low-sugar beverages that contain high levels of citric acid, which can cause erosion to the enamel. A necessary step in protecting young teeth in children six and older is to place sealants on them, which seal in groves of permanent molars.
Ensure children visit the dentist once a year and remember to brush morning and night and floss daily. If you’re looking for a pediatric dental home for your child, call Central Florida Health Care at 866-234-8534. We have a heart for your child’s best dental health.
The article was originally written and published by Central Florida Health Care.