Courtesy: 

www.newportdentalarts.com

201.626.6210

I am sure you already know that children are little sponges, constantly absorbing your habits and behaviors on a daily basis. Getting your little ones started at a young age on the road to good oral hygiene is a step in the right direction for lifelong overall health.

For babies, teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. You can use a soft washcloth with baby toothpaste to start and then begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush once your baby has three or more teeth. Make sure to always soak the brush in warm water for a few minutes beforehand to soften the bristles, as this will be more comfortable for your child. Make sure to brush your child’s teeth twice daily, concentrating a good portion of the brushing time on back molars, where cavities often appear first. You may also begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two teeth emerge that are next to each other. Floss sticks often make this process easier with a squirmy toddler.  

When choosing toothpaste, keep in mind that most children’s toothpastes are flavored to further entice your child to brush and certain formulas are not recommended before a certain age. I highly recommend toothpastes which display the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, as they meet the ADA criteria.

Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using an egg timer to time it for about two minutes. I find it helpful to also play one of their favorite songs and brush till the song is over. This will give your little one a routine of good dental hygiene to look forward to.

Diet is another factor that affects children’s oral health. Frequent and long-term exposure to liquids that contain sugars commonly result in tooth decay. In addition to removing sugared drinks from your child’s diet, parents should also avoid giving their child milk, formula or juice at night and naptime.

Our office is conveniently located at 100 Town Square Place, Suite 408, right in the heart of the Newport Community. Newport Dental Arts is a comprehensive general dentistry office, established in 2004, providing high-quality dentistry. Dr. Louis Zazzaro and his highly skilled team utilize state of the art technology while performing cleanings, fillings, root canal therapy, implants, teeth whitening, veneers, crowns bridges and oral surgery. We treat adults and children over the age of five. We look forward to meeting you and helping to keep your smile healthy!