Caring for your children’s baby teeth properly is the first step toward helping them achieve excellent oral health as adults. At Esthetix Dental Spa, we recognize the importance of teaching parents about the similarities and differences between baby and permanent teeth, and our friendly pediatric dentistry services can help your children become more comfortable with visiting the dentist.
Caring for Your Child’s Baby Teeth
Because children will lose their baby teeth, some parents assume that caring for them is unimportant. However, creating poor habits may cause both you and your children to neglect their permanent teeth years down the road. Parents should brush their children’s baby teeth as soon as they appear, and they can use a variety of tools that are gentler and better for smaller mouths than traditional toothbrushes, such as:
- Damp washcloths
- Gauze pads
- Finger brushes
- Extra-soft, child-sized toothbrushes
Parents can use regular fluoride toothpaste for their children’s baby teeth, but they should use a very small amount.
When Will Your Child’s Baby Teeth Start Falling Out?
While the age at which children start to lose their baby teeth can vary significantly, parents can expect that most children will lose their first teeth when they are between four and seven years old.
Teaching Your Children to Care for Permanent Teeth
Once your children’s permanent teeth begin to grow in, they will typically be old enough to begin learning to care for their own teeth. However, parents should be diligent about ensuring that their children care for their teeth thoroughly and regularly. Parents should teach their children to:
- Brush their teeth correctly at least twice per day
- Floss their teeth daily
- Use a children’s fluoride rinse
- Not swallow their toothpaste or fluoride rinse
At Esthetix Dental Spa, we care about helping our clients learn to properly care for their children’s teeth from an early age. Contact us today to learn more about caring for your child’s teeth or to schedule an appointment!
