There’s nothing more precious than those big, toothless smiles from your sweet, innocent baby – but Dakota Dental Family Dentistry wants to ensure that infancy is the one and only time in life that your child will be toothless 🙂
It’s a common misconception that dental services and hygiene can be ignored until children receive their permanent teeth. Proper dental procedures by parents and the caring, gentle staff at Dakota Dental Clinic will lay the foundation for your child to have vibrant dental health all their life along with a beautiful smile.
Children’s teeth are essential for eating of course, but also for learning how to talk and formulate sounds correctly. Young children are totally dependent on their caregivers to properly take care of their teeth when they’re too young to do so, teach them how to take care of their teeth when they become older and help them to develop good oral care habits and a positive attitude about going to the dentist.
To help you help your child enjoy good oral health,
here are a few tips from Dakota Dental Family Dentistry:
* Even before your baby’s teeth have erupted, it’s a very good idea to carefully wipe their gums with a clean wet cloth after feedings.
* Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle or sippy cup – unless it only has water in it.
* Start brushing your child’s tooth as soon as it pops through. Because most toddlers dislike the taste of toothpaste more than the actual process of brushing, Dr. Shelley suggests making early brushing as pleasant as possible by not using any paste – just gently brush with a child’s size toothbrush and water.
* It’s possible for adults to pass along cavity causing germs to their children – so don’t put anything in your child’s mouth if it has been in your mouth such as spoons, drinking straws, etc.
* Avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Cheese, yogurt, fruit and vegetables are good snack choices for children. Adding an equal amount of water to fruit juice helps to reduce the amount of natural sugars and acids coming in contact with your child’s teeth.
* Bring your baby into your Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic for a short little visit after their first tooth has come through, and again before your child’s first birthday. We’ll show you how to properly care for your baby’s teeth and gums. It also helps us to get to know your child, and for your child to get to know their family dentist.
* Your child should have their first hygiene appointment between the ages of two and three to have their teeth cleaned, flossed, and polished. We’ll also discuss any need for x-rays, fluoride and other treatments.
We’re experts in dentistry for kids and we make sure that every visit is a positive one – from experiencing the feathered friends in our aviary, to the tender, caring dental services of the Dakota Dental team, your child will begin their dental care with a lot to smile about!