The importance of a smile is obvious from the beginning. From the first gummy grin lighting up the chubby cheeks of an infant, smiles can bring joy, communicate feelings, express happiness, and become part of one’s identity. Something so important needs to be treated as such, cared for, and maintained throughout life. At Arizona Smile Designers, we’re proud to offer a wide range of dental services in Cottonwood for the entire family. Starting good habits from infancy on will ensure continued care and a brighter, healthier smile for life. When it comes to pediatric dentistry, there are important essentials to keep in mind.
The Ins and Outs of Pediatric Dental Care
Healthy dental habits in children start with the adults in their lives. Creating healthy and helpful habits early on goes a long way toward preventative care, helping to avoid future issues.
- Start From Day One – There’s no reason to wait until the first tiny tooth erupts in your child’s mouth. Right from the beginning, be sure you’re wiping down your baby’s gums and tongue after each feeding by using a soft, moist cloth. This will help keep the gums healthy by removing bacteria. It’s also important to make sure you do not leave your baby to sleep with their bottle.
- Plan Routine Check-Ups – By the time your child reaches one year old – or their first teeth pops out – it’s time to contact your Cottonwood pediatric dental office to make their first dental appointment. Establishing a relationship with their dentist from a young age will make going to the office a more normalized and enjoyable experience as well as allow our staff to recognize any emerging problems before they go too far.
- Brushing – Once teeth are present, it’s time to change from wipe-downs to brushing. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush in front of a mirror if possible so your child can observe and learn. Don’t forget to brush their tongue!
- Flossing – Once enough teeth are present, gently floss your child’s teeth. Until then, you can teach through observation; Make sure your child witnesses you practicing these same habits as part of your daily routine.
- Be Mindful About Consumption – As difficult as it may be, it’s important for your child’s oral – and overall – health to avoid excessive sugar or acidic food and drink. When those occasions do happen – and we know it happens – encourage your child to brush their teeth or rinse out their mouth after the fact for less impact.
- Make It Fun – Taking care of oral health does not have to seem like a chore. It can even be fun! As your child gets older, let them help pick out their toothbrush that includes their favorite characters or colors. Let them set a brush timer or find a fun song for them to dance to while they brush.
Early Childhood Dental Care in Arizona
The benefits of focusing on pediatric oral health and hygiene from the day children are born are vast and far-reaching. Not only will you be doing your part to keep their mouths healthy before they can do it themselves, but you’ll be setting them up for future success by establishing healthy habits. When they’ve never known anything different, it will be easier to keep them on task. Arizona Smile Designers has highly qualified dentists at Cottonwood and a compassionate team ready to provide dental services for your entire family. Request an appointment today to pave the way toward a beautiful lifelong commitment to a healthy smile.
