When your children are young, keeping them healthy should be your top priority. One of the ways that you can do so is by maintaining their oral hygiene. This is important, as oral complications can lead to other health issues. Before a person has their first child, they probably don’t think too much into how they need to maintain their child’s oral hygiene. All they have to do is brush their teeth, right? Of course this is a part of it, but they also have to consider how they can keep their teeth clean before they have their permanent teeth. (Related topics: family dentist Clifton NJ, family dentist Bloomfield NJ)
To clean their mouth before they have any teeth, you can sit on a chair or sofa and have your child lay their head in your lap. Once they’re comfortable, place a gauze pad or soft cloth over your fingers. Dip the cloth in water so that it gets damp but not soaking wet. Next, all you have to do is wipe their teeth and gums gently. When you do this, it’s super important that you use a clean gauze. If you don’t, it could lead to an infection.
When your child’s teeth start to come in, you can start using a toothbrush. To prevent any irritation, use a small, soft toothbrush. At this stage, it’s not necessary to use toothpaste, but some people choose to use fluoride toothpaste. When their teeth start to touch, additionally, this is when you’ll know that it’s time to start flossing. This is important because it cleans plaque out of places that their toothbrush can’t reach.
Eventually, your child will start brushing their own teeth. It’s recommended that you monitor their routine until they are at least 8 years old. This way, you can help them make any improvements to their routine.
Another way to take care of their teeth is by seeing a pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ every 6 months. Not only will the pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ deep clean their teeth, but they will monitor the growth of their teeth as well. This is important, as the pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ can identify if their teeth are crowded, growing in sideways, or any other possible complications.