When it comes to infant oral care, new parents may be surprised by the  recommendations from Carolina Dentistry in Mint Hill. We advise parents to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge.

Brand-new teeth are just as vulnerable to cavities as older teeth. Use a warm, wet cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come in, the time has come to brush them at least twice a day.\

It is vital to select the proper toothbrush, in order to make brushing time as pleasant as possible. A soft-bristled brush with a small amount of toothpaste is best. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are beneficial.

If your child can’t stand the taste of toothpaste, it’s okay to brush without it for a while. The goal is to remove food bits that will create bacteria followed by plaque and then cavities. Dr. Yao a Shoreline dentist adds that teaching your child to take care of their teeth you provide them with a great foundation of proper oral health care.

When two teeth touch, it’s time to floss. Flossing is essential to make sure no food is lodged between the teeth. Proper flossing requires fine motor skills which most kids don’t develop before age six or seven. As with brushing, parents need to assist with flossing until they are sure their child can do it effectively.

Your child’s first dental visit should be as soon as the first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday. Please call us at Carolina Dentistry to schedule your child’s first cleaning and checkup. We specialize in pediatric dentistry. Call today!