Pediatric Dental Care: Let Your Child's Teeth Shine Bright

Dental hygiene is a must for people of all ages. Brushing at least twice daily and flossing regularly is important if you want to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

However, when it comes to children, parents are sometimes unaware of the age when a proper dental routine has to be initiated. 

In this article, our team at Kevin D Fong DDS, Hayward, CA, are sharing some insights into why pediatric dental care is important for your child’s teeth and gums.

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, require as much attention as adult teeth. They are important for your child as they help them speak, eat, and also make space for their future adult teeth.

Here’s all that you need to know about pediatric dental care:

You should start caring for your child’s teeth right from infancy, that is, even while you are nursing or bottle-feeding. Regularly wipe your child’s gums using a gauze or a soft wet washcloth. 

Once their first teeth have erupted, you must initiate brushing. This can be done with a toothbrush specifically designed for infants. Small soft toothbrushes will enable you to clean their teeth without causing discomfort. 

After your child has turned three, you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth. You should assist them with brushing and flossing daily until they are able to do it on their own. 

This is an important part of everyone’s oral care routine. Regular visits to the dentist help keep dental disease at bay. For children, you will have to visit a pediatric dentist who is capable of addressing your child’s dental health issues properly.

The dentist will help identify cavities and tooth decay, educate you on how to care for baby teeth, and will also give you professional tips for managing your child’s dental health.

It is always important to keep a track of your child’s diet as children are often attracted to unhealthy foods and drinks. Ensure that your child does not consume a lot of sugary foods and drinks and remind them to brush their teeth once their cravings are satisfied.