Many parents proudly document their child’s first year of milestones in photos and albums. Often, they are excited and nervous when their child hits one of their most important developmental milestones: first teeth have begun to appear. They may be stressed and suffering from lack of sleep as their child is in distress and uncomfortable as teeth break through the gums. However, they may not realize that proper dental care begins long before their child’s first visit to the family dentist. In fact, you should begin taking care of your child’s teeth even before they actually emerge from their gums. Teeth actually begin to form as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. At birth, babies already have 20 teeth.
Merritt Island, FL parents can help improve their babies’ dental health by practicing good feeding habits. One important step is to avoid putting babies to sleep with a bottle in their mouth. This can harm teeth because the sugar in the milk or juice remains in the mouth and causes decay. Babies who suffer from what is often referred to as “bottle mouth” may need to visit a family dentist to have their front teeth pulled until permanent ones grow in. It may also be helpful to run a damp washcloth over your baby’s gums after feedings to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child visit the family dentist by their first birthday. This visit is usually focused on cavity prevention and teaching you how to care for your child’s teeth. Most children have all of their primary teeth, commonly referred to as “baby teeth,” by the age of 2½. At this time, your dentist may use fluoride treatments to harden the tooth enamel. Although the water supply in Merritt Island, FL and most of the United States is fluoridated, many families may prefer to use purified water. If this is the case, ask your family dentist for fluoride supplements. Another option family dentists in Merritt Island, FL have available for preventing tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas is using a sealant. Family dentists may apply a thin layer of resin to your child’s back teeth. The sealant acts as a protective coating to the molars where most chewing occurs.
As with adults, the best precaution that can be taken to prevent cavities is routine brushing and flossing. Even two-year-old and three-year-old can learn to brush their own teeth with supervision, using only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush. All residents of Merritt Island, FL, both children and adults, should visit their family dentist every six months for cleaning and check-ups.
If you are searching for family dentists Merritt Island, FL area, then contact Todd Denson DMD Dentistry for all your dental needs, offering exceptional dental services.
