The Smile Daily

Time to go to the dentist! Every parent knows that babies need a lot of TLC to grow up happy and healthy. From feeding them healthy foods to ensuring they are bathed and cleaned, parents need to tend to every aspect of caring for the little ones.One area that is sometimes overlooked is dental care. After all, children lose their first set of teeth, right?Dental care is of great importance, and something to be considered even before baby cuts his first tooth. There are products on the market, such as small toothbrushes that fit on a fingertip, that not only get a child used to the routine of brushing, but also clean their gums to keep them healthy.Once the baby teeth have begun poking through the gums, parents should start brushing the toddler’s teeth and gums at least twice a day with non-fluoridated toothpaste until the child knows how to spit out the paste fully. This will keep the teeth in great shape until they fall out to make way for the adult teeth to come in. (And it will keep their pearly whites pearly white for when they flash their cute-as-can-be smile.)Around 1 year old is a good time to call the dentist to make the child’s first appointment. A good general rule is to take the child in within about six months of the first tooth coming through. If there are concerns beforehand, such as discolored teeth, call the dentist sooner rather than later.The thought of taking a little one to the dentist might sound daunting, but that shouldn’t be the case. Little ones don’t know about drills or root canals. They get to sit in a chair that goes up and down and have someone look at their smile! Parents should express enthusiasm for going to the dentist rather than fear.The first visit gives the dentist a chance to meet the child and have a very casual meeting, focusing more on getting the kids used to the dentist’s chair and educating the parents. The dentist will check the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw, as well as look for tooth decay. The dentist also may clean the child’s teeth, or may opt to do this on the second visit.After a discussion about good oral hygiene, the dentist may answer any questions a parent or child may have about the visit or their teeth. Some common topics discussed include teething, appropriate foods, and thumb sucking.A check-up every six months is routine, unless there are other issues that need to be addressed.