Seven dental milestones for children that parents need to know
By Dr. Jamie Reynolds
Just because most newborns don’t have teeth yet, it’s never too early for new parents to start dental regimens for their babies.
Parents shouldn’t wait until teething starts to think about their baby’s dental health. It is important for parents to give children a proper start if they are to enjoy a lifetime of good dental health.
Here are seven dental milestones for children that parents need to know.
During the pregnancy
A child’s dental care really starts before the child is born. Baby teeth begin to form before birth, so pregnant women should make sure to eat a balanced, nutritious diet and should get an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. They should have a complete dental exam and have any cavities or gum disease treated.
After birth but before teeth arrive
Before the baby’s teeth have even erupted, keep the baby’s mouth clean by wiping down the gums twice a day with gauze or a moist washcloth after the baby’s last feeding.
At about six months when teeth begin to come in
Parents should start brushing their children’s baby teeth as soon as they come in. The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends using fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice on a child-sized toothbrush twice a day.
At age 3 when a full set of baby teeth have probably arrived
By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth, at which point the ADA recommends upping the amount of toothpaste from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a pea.
Around age 6 when they can brush their own teeth
Bu age 6, most children should be able to brush on their own. At this point, children can start using an adult-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they brush. Children should have their teeth flossed as soon as two teeth are touching. Children can typically floss on their own starting at about 7 years old.
The first dental visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an initial visit to the dentist when the first tooth erupts, or no later than baby’s first birthday. From then on, parents should make twice-yearly visits.
When children should see an orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the age of 7. Even though it may sound early, some issues can be addressed more quickly when caught early, such as issues with the growth of the jaw bone, remaining baby teeth, impacted teeth, the number of teeth growing in, and more. Fortunately, the majority of children this age will not need treatment.
One of the most important things parents can do is model good oral health behavior so children can see how seriously their parents take care of their oral hygiene. It’s important that children see their parents brush and floss, avoid sugary snacks, and make regular visits to the dentist.
Dr. Jamie Reynolds is an orthodontist in Detroit. His book, “World Class Smiles Made in Detroit,” puts an emphasis on the many benefits of having a great smile. Reynolds, a lecturer on high-tech digital orthodontics and practice management, attended the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate education and dental studies and did his orthodontic residency at the University of Detroit-Mercy.
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