Baby teeth are vital to the development of adult teeth, along with speech and eating patterns. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want all of our patients to keep a healthy smile. Check out some of our reminders for helping kids keep good oral hygiene.
Even before a baby’s first teeth grow in, their gums need to be tended to. They should be wiped down with a soft cloth after feedings. As soon as the first tooth appears, it should be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is important for keeping cavities away. As soon as two of their teeth touch, they will need to be flossed. Babies and kids will need help with flossing until they can do it on their own.
Kids should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth grows in, or by the age of one if their first tooth hasn’t grown in by then. As they grow older, their dentist may want to protect their molars with seals. This keeps cavities out of the pits and grooves of molars, especially during their cavity-prone years.
One last tip is to limit thumb-sucking and pacifiers. These actually disrupt the proper placement and growth of baby and adult teeth, which can eventually lead to dental problems, speech problems, and even problems with eating.
To schedule your child’s first dental appointment, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Our Oyster Bay, NY office can be reached by calling (516) 922-5730 or by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.
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