At Kitsap Kid’s Dentistry, we believe a lifetime of smiles and good oral hygiene should begin even before the eruption of the first primary tooth. Here are six children’s oral health facts that may be new to you:
The 2-2-2 Rule Is A Simple Way To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy.
Children should visit a dentist twice per year.
Children should brush and floss at least twice a day.
Children should spend two whole minutes brushing and flossing daily.
Proper Oral Hygiene Should Begin Early, Even Before Baby Teeth Arrive!
Even before your baby starts teething you should run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria.
A Child’s First Dental Visit Should Occur After Their First Tooth Erupts.
Dental check ups are encouraged within a baby’s first year. Beginning a prevention plan during the first year helps avoid early onset and future dental problems. Your child’s first visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will help protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Children Have A Set of 20 Primary Teeth.
Primary teeth are also called baby teeth. By age 3 years, there are usually 20 primary teeth. The first tooth eruption is usually between 4 and 15 months of age. If eruption of the first tooth has not occurred by 18 months, the child should be referred to a dentist for evaluation.
Bottles Should Only Contain Water During Bed Or Nap Time.
Bottles should only be used with formula, breast milk, or water. Fruit juices, sweet teas, formula, or milk should not be put in a baby’s bottle during bedtime or nap time. At bed time, bottles should only contain water. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents should avoid fruit juice for children under one year of age.
Prolonged Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Can Cause Problems.
Sucking is a normal baby reflex. It helps babies feel secure and happy and helps them learn about their world. However, prolonged thumb sucking may cause problems with proper growth of the mouth and the alignment of teeth. It also can cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Children should be encouraged to discontinue their sucking habits by 4 years of age.