Kid’s Dental Tips For Parents

For kids, oral care is handled by their parents for the first few years of their life. As they get older they can learn more about brushing and flossing from their parents’ examples and from their family dentist. Our offices specialize in helping patients of all ages with their oral health. Read on to learn about oral health habits for babies, young children, and older kids. Click below to either schedule an appointment or click here for our helpful dental tips for all ages.

Dental Care Guide For Infants & Babies

You might think that a newborn baby does not need oral care; especially since they do not have teeth yet. But that actually isn’t true. Even before they have teeth, you can help keep your child healthy by wiping away bacteria on their gums and in their mouth.

Before They Have Teeth: Wipe their gums with a clean piece of cloth after feeding them. This helps ensure that bacteria and sugar don’t sit in their mouths for long periods of time.
As Their Teeth Start To Come In: As your child’s teeth start to come in, you can use a small bristled toothbrush and water to brush their teeth. This helps remove bacteria and food that sticks to the teeth.
When To See The Dentist For The First Time: It is recommended to see a dentist when your child is 6 months to 1 year old and/or starts to develop their teeth. Your dentist can make sure their teeth are coming in healthy and provide recommendations.

Dental Care Tips For Young Children

Until your kids are old enough to brush and floss their own teeth, it is your responsibility to help keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean.

Brushing: Brush your children’s teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. Start reinforcing that your child should spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing it. Consider using safe-to-swallow kid’s toothpaste at first, since it can take time for kids to learn this.
Flossing: Start flossing your children’s teeth once they have adjacent teeth that the toothbrush cannot adequately clean on its own.
When Can My Child Start Brushing/Flossing On their Own: It depends on a child’s understanding, motor control, and personal responsibility. Many kids start brushing their own teeth around the age of four or five. Even so, if your child is younger than six, it is recommended that they always brush and floss with adult supervision. You can encourage them and help them develop good habits.

Dental Care Tips For Older Children

As your kids grow up, it will become their responsibility to brush and floss their teeth every day.

Healthy Habits: Work with your kids to develop healthy habits. A calendar in the bathroom with stickers is a great way to track daily oral activities. Moreover, music can be a great timer to help make sure that kids are brushing for two minutes each time.
Losing Teeth: As kids get older their first set of teeth will start to loosen and fall out. Never pull out a tooth at home. Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth with their tongue until the tooth falls out naturally. Gauze can help with any bleeding and ice packs can help if your child feels soreness around their mouth.
Sealants: When your children are older, ask your dentist about dental sealants which can help kids avoid cavities by providing a protective layer on their molars.

Schedule Family Dental Appointments in Chicago

Our offices in Chicago work with kids of all ages to help them not only get great dental services during their appointments but also build healthy habits and learn valuable oral care techniques that they can bring home with them! To schedule an appointment with our team, please give us a call!