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When should dental care begin?
Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by three years of age, with a dental check-up
at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care.
In accordance with this recommendation, the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers has been provided
by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:
Birth to 6 months of age:
Clean the infant's mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime.
Consult your child's pediatrician regarding fluoride supplements.
Regulate feeding habits (bottle feeding and breastfeeding).
Six to 12 months of age:
During this time, the first tooth should appear. Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled
brush. As the child begins to walk, stay alert of potential dental and/or facial injuries. Wean the child from breast or
bottle by his/her first birthday.
Twelve to 24 months of age:
Generally, dental examinations and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.
As your child learns to rinse his/her mouth, and as most deciduous (baby) teeth have erupted by this age, brushing
with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste becomes appropriate.
Under 24 months to 3 years:
We recommend that your child accompany a parent while the parent has his/her teeth cleaned. This allows the child to become familiar with the
dental office environment in a non-threatening way. Then schedule the child's first cleaning at about age three.
Facts about deciduous teeth:
Proper care of a child's deciduous teeth (also known as "baby" or primary teeth) is very important as these teeth
hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth.
If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be
regained through orthodontic treatment.
Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly
resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of 4 - usually the front bottom teeth first. They continue
to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through.
Thumb-Sucking and Dental Health
Generally, thumb-sucking before the age of two is normal and harmless. When thumb-sucking is not stopped by the
appropriate age (generally by the age of five) then parents should discourage the act. Prolonged thumb-sucking
may contribute to crowded and/or crooked teeth development and bite problems.
Diet and dental care for children:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the following to ensure your child eats correctly to maintain a
healthy body and teeth:
Shop smart. Do not routinely stock your pantry with
sugary or starchy snacks. Buy "fun foods" just for special times. Limit the number of snack times; choose nutritious snacks.
Provide a balanced diet, and save foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes. Do not put your young child to bed with a
bottle of milk, formula, or juice. If your child chews gum or sips soda, choose those without sugar.
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