Whether you've opted to work with a family dentist or pediatric dentist in Springfield, IL, we want you to know that February is National Children's Dental Health Month!
Since our focus in February is on our smallest smiles, here's everything you should know about your little one's dental health.
When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit around age one. We'll introduce your child to the dental chair at their first visit and count their teeth. Early visits allow your children's dentist in Springfield to begin monitoring your little one's dental health. This also helps them acclimate to visiting the dentist, setting them up for successful future visits.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
Parents often wonder why taking care of baby teeth is so critical when they fall out in the future. Well, believe it or not, primary (baby) teeth have a few essential jobs to do before they fall out:
- Introducing new foods to your little one
- Helping them say their first words
- Acting as placeholders and guides for incoming adult teeth
- Keeping baby teeth happy and healthy protects your child's precious smile.
Tips for Home Care for Your Child
Did you know oral home care starts before your baby's first teeth arrive? It's true! Parents can gently wipe their baby's mouth with a warm washcloth after feedings. This prevents bacteria from building up in their mouth.
When their first teeth arrive, you can brush them with a small, infant-sized toothbrush after meals and even use a smear of toothpaste that's safe to swallow if you like. This helps them acclimate to having their teeth brushed.
As they age and begin to brush on their own, you can incorporate fluoride toothpaste to protect their teeth once they learn to spit after brushing. Parents should supervise brushing until around the age of seven or eight.
Contact Ruggless Dental
If you're looking for an excellent family dentist in Springfield, IL, look no further than Ruggless Dental! Contact our team at (217) 787-0212 to schedule your little one's next appointment.