Preventive Dentistry for Children and Teenagers
You and Your Child
Checklist

Parents
  • We think our parents are very important too, and want them to see their dentist regularly. Good oral health in the parent will lead to good oral health and less tooth decay in their child. We make referrals for parents too.
Birth to 6 Months
  • Clean the baby's mouth with a gauze or washcloth after feedings and at bedtime. Teeth begin to erupt at 4-8 months of age.
  • Regulate feeding habits and do not encourage between feeding snacks or beverages containing large amounts of sugar.
  • Offer your baby water on a regular basis - they should drink as much water as they do milk or juices.
  • Do not put your child to bed with a baby bottle. I would suggest feeding your child with the bottle or breast-feeding them - then change their diaper, put on pajamas, wipe out their mouth or brush their teeth and gums with a soft bristle brush, offer them a bottle of water then place them in bed.
  • Do not breast feed your child to sleep because breast milk also has sugar (lactose) in it - just as cow's milk has sugar (lactose) in it.
  • If your child wants to suck their thumb, offer them a pacifier.
6 to 12 Months
  • Your child's first tooth should appear at age 4-8 months.
  • Begin brushing the teeth after each feeding with a water dampened small soft-bristled brush.
  • Baby begins to walk. I would recommend not allowing your toddler to carry a baby bottle or sippy cup while walking about because they could fall and injure their mouth and increase their risk of early childhood tooth decay.
12 to 18 Months
  • Make your child?s first dental appointment with a PEDIATRIC DENTIST who will teach you how to prevent tooth decay in your child.
  • Wean your baby from the breast or bottle at age 12 months. If you want to continue breast-feeding, be certain to brush the teeth after each feeding.
  • See your dentist for your baby's first dental examination at age 12-15 months.
  • Start using a pea-sized portion of fluoride toothpaste when the child is able to rinse - especially at bedtime.
  • Give your toddler healthy snacks and do not allow them to chew gum.
  • Stop pacifier use at age 12 months of age or earlier. Prolonged pacifier use can cause dental malformations, poor oral habits and encourage or promote ear infections.
24 Months
  • Most or all of the primary teeth have erupted.
  • Follow the schedule of exams and cleanings recommended by your pediatric dentist.
  • Early dental examinations and cleanings when there are not cavities present is the only way you can insure that your child will have a positive and comfortable first experience with a pediatric dentist.
If you want more information, please feel free to contact us
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