As soon as the first tooth emerges, begin cleaning it twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Brush all sides of the tooth and continue wiping down the gums. Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in and have deemed a smear size safe for use on small babies. By age three, when baby teeth start to settle into place, graduate to a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. As soon as children have two teeth that touch, begin flossing between them.<\/p>\n

Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth; they help guide permanent teeth into their proper places in the mouth. Baby teeth are the ones that children learn how to eat, speak, and form sounds with \u2013 they play a crucial role in toddlers\u2019 development. And they are no less susceptible to cavities than a permanent set of adult teeth; tooth decay can occur as early as six months, when most babies begin teething. By age three, the first set of 20 pearly whites are typically in place. Some baby teeth may last until ages 12-13, at which point a permanent set should replace them.<\/p>\n

For young children who are unable to brush and floss on their own, parents should also be checking under their children\u2019s\u2019 lips every day for tell-tale white or brown spots on the teeth or gumline that indicate tooth decay is developing. Parents should continue to help children brush and floss teeth until they have formed a consistent routine and can manipulate toothbrushes properly and spit safely on their own.<\/p>\n

Parents need to set another good routine as well: begin making regular dental appointments when a child\u2019s first tooth comes in fully, which is usually around age one. At this point, the dentist will be able to go over proper oral care for new teeth, as well as other questions parents may have about fluoride, sealants, and good snack choices for healthy teeth. If it is time for baby\u2019s first check-up, contact Boyett Family Dentistry today at 863-294-9200 and set an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There is no sight more precious than baby\u2019s first smile. And in order to preserve that perfect grin there are several oral care steps parents need to be taking when children are young and their teeth are still growing and developing. So when should parents start providing oral care for their children, and teaching them […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3132,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n