While your child might not have his/her permanent teeth, it’s never too early to start thinking about dental health. The foundation for proper pediatric dental care begins well before your child’s first tooth erupts or with the loss of his/her first tooth. Whether you’re new or experienced parents, it’s important to understand the elements of proper dental care at every stage of your child’s development. Healthy baby teeth are extremely important to your child’s oral health, and should be treated with the same level of care as permanent teeth.
There are a handful of well-known rules (such as avoiding sugary treats, and making regular trips to the dentist), and there are specific guidelines for each stage of your child’s growth. For example, it’s important to know only children older than 2 should be using a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. It’s important for parents to model good dental habits, and to help enforce good brushing and flossing routines.
For more information about children’s dental care, check out the following checklist by Natomas Crossing Dental Care, created to provide parents with information on proper care for each stage of their child’s development. While finding a qualified dentist for your children is important, good oral care requires more than a checkup every six months.
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