As I mentioned in my blog earlier this week, it is important to switch to a fluoride toothpaste once your toddler is able to spit out properly.  Once your child is able to hold the toothbrush and has the dexterity to brush independently, you should still monitor and ensure that they are brushing all their teeth surfaces.  And remember to help your child floss daily.  This is important in preventing cavities between teeth.

I recommend the first visit for your child at 2 years of age when children are often mature enough for an initial visit.  Our first visit with kids is focused on fun and building trust and rapport.  A positive first experience goes a long way in helping your child develop a positive long-term relationship with the dental experience.

One way you can prepare your child for a first dental visit is by reading books on the topic.  My 3 year old especially likes “Elmo Visits the Dentist” and “Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer).

Visit the American Dental Association website at www.ADA.org, type in National Children’s Dental Health, and check out some of the resources available for children, such as “How to Brush,” “How to Floss,” “Visit the Dentist,” “Food Pyramid,” and “The Parts of a Tooth.”

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 11, 2010

I’ve had several requests to write a blog about taking care of children’s teeth.  In honor of February being National Children’s Dental Health month and for all you mommies out there, here it is…

On average, babies get their first teeth at around 6 months of age.  They will continue to “teethe” and will have 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old.  Although these teeth are temporary, it is important to take care of them diligently.  Baby teeth will start to fall out around age 6 or 7.  Until then, they are doing a lot of work for your child.

Avoid letting your baby go to sleep with a bottle with milk, formula or juice.  Having the teeth bathe in such liquids for prolonged periods of time can cause tooth decay.  Avoid giving your toddler candy and sticky sugary foods like caramel.  Make sure your child has a good calcium intake for development of strong teeth.

Even before any teeth come in, you should clean your baby’s mouth regularly with a wet washcloth.  This way your baby gets used to having a clean mouth.  By age one they can have their teeth brushed with an actual toothbrush.  Look for “stage 1” toothbrushes that are specially designed for 1 year olds, then move up accordingly as your child grows.  Use a non-fluoridated toothpaste at first.  When your child is old enough to spit out, you can switch to a fluoride toothpaste.  Use only a small amount of toothpaste, no more than pea-sized.

For more on this topic, look out for my blog later this week.  Until then, have a fabulous week!

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 9, 2010