How to Brush Toddlers Teeth: Tips from an Expert Pediatric Dentist
If you have a little one, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly brushing their teeth!
There are specific techniques to use to help keep your babies mouth as healthy as possible.
Check out tips from expert dentists at LeBlanc & Associates Pediatric Dentistry…
You can start good habits if you clean your child’s teeth every day, feed your child a healthy diet and visit the dentist regularly.
Why are baby teeth important?
Baby teeth hold space in the jaw for the adult teeth.
If a baby tooth is lost early, the teeth besides it may drift into the empty space.
When it’s time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room for them. This may cause adult teeth to be crowded. Crowded teeth are hard to keep clean.
A Healthy Diet Builds Strong Teeth
You can start good habits if you clean your child’s teeth every day, feed your child a healthy diet and visit the dentist regularly.
By feeding your little ones a good diet, you can help keep their teeth extra healthy. Here are the things you can do at home to build strong teeth:
- Limit between meal snacks.
- Avoid using sweet foods and drinks to reward your child.
- If your child eats sweets, make sure it is with a meal.
- Infants and young children should have a healthy diet. Information can be found at www.choosemyplate.gov.
Tips for Healthy Cavity-Free Teeth for Your Toddler
Did you know…
… that tooth decay is the most common long–term childhood disease? Children of any age can get tooth decay, even babies and toddlers. Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma. The good news is that tooth decay can be prevented!
Tips for How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy:
- If a child’s baby teeth are healthy, it is more likely their adult teeth will be healthy too.
- Schedule your child’s first dental visit by age 1.
- Begin brushing when your child’s first tooth erupts.
- Wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, wet gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding, before sleep.
- As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day (morning and night).
- Brush your child’s teeth until she is at least six years old.
In regards to toothpaste, there are differences in how to apply the toothpaste based on your child’s age.
For children under 3 years, smear the toothpaste on their teeth. For children 3 to 6 years, use a pea size dollop on a toothbrush!
Tips for Your 1st Dental Visit
When you visit the dentist for the first time, there are some things to keep in mind. Below you can find exactly what to expect so you can be prepared for your visit!
- It is helpful to have the first dental visit after the baby’s first tooth appears. The first visit is a well baby checkup for your child’s teeth.
- At this visit, the dentist can check for decay and other problems. They will show you how to properly clean your child’s teeth.
- The dentist will offer advice on your child’s diet, pacifier use, and oral care products for your family. They can tell you how to prevent injuries to your child’s teeth and mouth and what to do in case of a dental emergency.
- Children should get the ideal level of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
Dental Checkups for 2 & Under
Start your dental checkups at one of the five metro locations with LeBlanc & Associates Pediatric Dentistry!
This allows you to learn how to clean their little teeth from experts. It can give you peace of mind to know you’re doing it correctly. Plus, you might learn something new!
We hope you learned insight into keeping your little ones healthy & happy…
Thank you to LeBlanc & Associates for these tips. You can visit them at any of their metro locations:
Kansas City
1601 N. 98th Street Suite #104
Kansas City, KS 66111
Olathe
15151 South Black Bob Rd.
Olathe, KS 66062
Overland Park
14420 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66223
Prairie Village
8226 Mission Rd.
Prairie Village, KS 66208
West Olathe
11102 S. Noble Dr.
Olathe, Kansas 66061
Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter for the latest scoop on family fun, health and wellness resources, events, coupons, enter2wins and more!
From our family to yours,
iFamilyKC
