Dental Care For Toddlers
If your child didn’t have their initial dental visit during their first year of age, chances are you’ll bring them in as a toddler, particularly as they begin to teeth and experiment more with putting things in their mouths.
In any case, the toddler years are where you and your dentist will begin routine check-ups and cleanings for your child’s newly-grown baby teeth. Your dentist may also ask you to monitor their sugar intake (such as with juice) and help to pick out their first applicable dental items — like safe kinds of toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Gums, Teething, and Oral Care
Children typically begin teething quite young — between four and seven months of age — and may continue up until they are about three years old when their full set of baby teeth are about completely grown in.
Many adults avoid the dentist and don’t worry about the health of their children’s “baby teeth,” but don’t mistake the health of your children’s teeth as a non-issue. Did you know many children will develop their first cavity before they reach the age of 2, and as many as 25% of American kids will have a cavity before they ever enter Kindergarten?
Starting dental care young gives your children an added advantage in life, as they can move forward with strong teeth that are free of damage and decay.
What to Expect
As your child grows out of infancy and into their first set of teeth, you and your dentist can begin to collaborate on implementing proper dental care and hygienic practices directed toward their longterm oral wellbeing.
As toddlers in our office, you can expect:
Educational instruction to help your child learn how to maintain optimal tooth health.
A comprehensive tooth cleaning and examination.
Review of any problematic areas and an analysis of any suspected cavities.
Tips on how to maintain optimal tooth health in children.
Tips and education regarding toddler teething and soothing.
As your child grows, so, too, should your ability to help them maintain their oral health. And that’s where we come in — don’t forget to schedule regular appointments with our team to help monitor and care for your child’s first set of baby teeth!