In today’s blog, you’ll learn excellent tips about how to teach your children to effectively brush their teeth with you, then later without your help. We’ll explore:

• The right children’s dental care tools (with tooth development chart)
• Use the mimic method to train your child
• Two minutes, two times a day: 2×2

The Right Dental Homecare Tools per Your Duncan, OK, Family Dentist

On average, kids lose all of their primary teeth by age 13. Their mouths keep growing from birth through the end of their teen years when jawbones stop growing. All this growing and changing compounds the complexity of teaching kids to properly brush their teeth.

To set your child up for success, begin by wiping out his infant mouth with a soft, wet washcloth after feedings. If your child will fall asleep while feeding, only allow water in his bottle. Milk and juices contain sugar, and sugar triggers the development of cavities. A child who falls asleep with a bottle dripping sugar into his mouth bathes his teeth in cavity-causing liquid while sleeping. As a result, a painful condition called baby bottle tooth decay can develop.

By month six, the first baby tooth should erupt. See the chart on this page for a timeline of when to expect the eruption of all primary teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed with an infant toothbrush. The style that fits over your forefinger makes brushing easier and more comfortable for the child than if you use a toddler toothbrush in a baby’s mouth. 

Also, you choose a fluoride-free children’s toothpaste, at least until a child will spit and rinse his mouth, which is usually after age three. Kids who swallow fluoridated toothpaste can develop fluorosis, a condition in which white, horizontal lines appear on permanent teeth while the permanent teeth buds are still developing within the jaw. Fluorosis will not respond to teeth-whitening chemicals.

Once a baby becomes a toddler, graduate to a small-head, soft-bristle toddler toothbrush. From that point, as your child grows, continue to purchase a size-appropriate brush, always with soft bristles. Replace toothbrushes every three months. Your child may become more enthusiastic about brushing if you allow him to select a toothbrush and toothpaste with his favorite characters or colors.

TIP: Do not brush your child’s teeth hard. Gentle, thorough brushing with toothpaste will adequately clean the teeth and gums. Too much pressure can erode tooth enamel and harm the gum tissue.

Use the Mimic Method

Kids want to be like Mom and Dad when they’re small. Allow your toddler to mimic you when you brush your teeth, but end this morning and evening routine by brushing their teeth for them. Once a child reaches age six to eight, depending on skill level, he can brush independently as long as you check the work and provide additional assistance as needed.

The day you stop reminding your little one to brush, and the day you don’t check his work, will be the very day he starts neglecting his oral hygiene!

Fun Dental Health Projects

Here are some kids’ projects for you and your children to learn about oral health together.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Mom and Dad, don’t give up. There may be tears and frustration (hopefully not from you), but great oral health and a strong smile are worth the effort. If you’re diligent and make certain your children are diligent with twice-daily oral hygiene at home, you’ll enjoy few or no cavities throughout your kiddo’s childhood. 

Remember, too, that even middle schoolers and high schoolers will neglect oral hygiene without reminders. Kids just get lazy; it’s human nature. They also forget and cut corners to save time. It’s your job, and that of your Duncan, OK, dentist’s to help your kids and teens maintain healthy smiles. 

2 Minutes, 2x a Day: The 2×2 Rule

Duncan, OK, dentist Dr. Bridges explains: “The rule of thumb is, everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day: once after breakfast and again after dinner. Singing the “Alphabet Song” takes about two minutes, so you and your little one can hum while you brush or use a timer. You can find kids’ teeth brushing timers on Amazon.” 

To set your kids up for success, brush in quadrants:

• Top right
• Top left
• Bottom right
• Bottom left

And in each quadrant, brush:

• Front
• Back
• Chewing surface
• Gum lines

Flossing

Add flossing before brushing once your child develops teeth close to one another. Widely spaced teeth don’t require flossing if the toothbrush bristles can reach between the teeth. However, the earlier you start a child on flossing, the easier it will become. Start flossing your child’s teeth by age five or earlier. You do it at first, then introduce pre-threaded children’s flossers and your child can attempt flossing independently. As with brushing teeth, come behind to check and touch up the work. 

Add Mouthwash

When a child rinses and spits without swallowing, usually by age four or so, you can also introduce mouthwash as the final step to the brushing and flossing routine. Children can measure their own dose of mouthwash with ACT, a brand that features a push-to-measure cylinder on the product packaging.

Your Child’s Duncan, OK, Dentist is at Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team serve families, from a baby with one little tooth to great-great-grandparents. Parents like us because we adore their children! Dr. Bridges got his love for dentistry after participating in a children’s oral health event. He was inspired to go to dental school and he’s loved his job–and his patients–ever since. Call us today at 580.255.4880 and reserve appointments for your family members.

The post Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush from Your Duncan, OK, Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

• Children’s dentists most often treat general oral health concerns such as preventing cavities and treating gum infection. Children should see their dentist every six months for checkups and routine cleanings. However, most children’s dentists also have experience with orthodontics. In most cases, children should visit their general dentist for any oral health needs. Then, if necessary, the dentist will refer the patient to an orthodontist. 

• Orthodontists improve the appearance and health of patients’ smiles. While some general dentists offer orthodontic services, orthodontists offer comprehensive care to patients with more severe dental issues. 

When To See A Children’s Dentist

Children’s dentists examine and clean your child’s teeth twice a year, keep an eye on the development of baby and permanent teeth, fill cavities, and carry out other routine treatments.

Dentists who commonly work with children have expertise when it comes to risk assessment for caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel. They also have expertise in dealing with:

• Habit-breaking, such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use 
• Management of pediatric periodontal disease
• Emergency care for damaged or knocked-out teeth

Children’s dentists also have expertise in dealing with younger patients who are sometimes restless during dental visits. They know how to conduct a dental examination in a way that is comforting to little ones. The equipment in a children’s dentist’s office may also be arranged and decorated with younger patients in mind. 

When To See an Orthodontist

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can cause oral and overall health problems. Over time, crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss thoroughly. This may make it difficult for a person, especially a child, to practice thorough oral care. Lack of proper dental care increases a child’s chances of getting tooth decay or gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. 

Additional reasons it’s important for a child to see an orthodontist include:

1. Even losing a baby tooth to decay can impact your child’s permanent smile because baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into the right position as they erupt. Without a baby tooth saving its spot and guiding it into the correct position, your child’s permanent teeth can come in crooked or overcrowded.

2. Misaligned bites can also cause Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, a condition that causes pain in the mouth, jaw, face, neck, and shoulders.

It is now recommended that a child go to her first orthodontic evaluation at around seven years old. At this age, enough of your child’s permanent teeth have come in for an orthodontist to use improved dental technology to predict where your child’s adult teeth will come in and what dental issues, if any, they will face in the future.

Talk to your child’s dentist about your child’s dental development and what to expect at the orthodontic appointment. 

Quality General Dentistry in Duncan, OK

Dr. Bridges at the Chisholm Trail Smile Center has spent decades providing the best dental care to young and old patients alike. He can guide you toward the best treatment options and practices. Call (580) 255-4880 or make an appointment online today to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

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Continue reading to learn more about what fluoride is and how it can help you little one avoid cavities now and later in life. 

What is fluoride?

Fluoride occurs naturally in nature. When used in dental treatments and products, it remineralizes and strengthens teeth before and after development. When babies consume certain foods that contain fluoride (like spinach and potatoes), the body absorbs the fluoride and uses it to strengthen the teeth, even before they erupt. Fluoride can also be applied topically, like with toothpaste. It is an essential element for tooth development that also protects against harmful bacteria and plaque.

Dental enamel can be worn down when exposed to acidic drinks, foods, and bacteria. Fluoride treatments and drinking fluoridated water can strengthen the enamel to protect against these substances. .

Fluoride can help protect your child’s beautiful teeth and gums—especially if they start young. Children who began receiving fluoride treatments are 43 percent less likely to develop tooth decay and cavities.

By reducing the risk of cavities and slowing the growth of harmful bacteria, fluoride can also prevent gum disease, tooth pain, and the premature loss of adult teeth.

Our family dentist might recommend fluoride treatments for your son or daughter during their routine dental cleanings and exams.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

There are many benefits of fluoride applications, including:

●     Strengthens Enamel—Especially against bacteria and acids that can cause your enamel to break down

●     Restores Minerals to Your Teeth—Acids can destroy essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium that are vital to the health and structure of your teeth. Fluoride reverses this loss by adding minerals back

●     Prevents Cavities and Tooth Decay—Fighting bacteria that causes cavities is a daily process. Fluoride can help provide the tools to fight tooth decay

●     Natural Preventative—Fluoride can naturally and effectively prevent possible damage to your child’s teeth

Talk to an experienced family dentist to determine if a fluoride application is beneficial for your child.

Fluoride Helps Maintain Good Oral Health

Preparing your child for optimal oral health includes:

• Routine dental care with your child’s dentist
• Daily brushing and flossing
• Regular hydration
• Proper diet and nutrition
• Fluoride treatments

Paired with good dental hygiene habits and regular dental visits, fluoride strengthens your little one’s developing adult teeth, blocks cavities from forming, prolongs the life of baby teeth,  and even reverses early cavities through the process of remineralization.

Are you looking for a gentle pediatric dentist?

Are you interested in a compassionate family dentist in Duncan, OK?

As a comprehensive family practice, we welcome children of any age. We know the importance of a warm and considerate dental practice that values your children’s needs.

Dr. Bridges and our friendly, gentle dental team works hard to make every dental visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible. We know that positive dental care that starts early can shape one’s dental future. We also respect that every child has their own unique dental needs and reactions.

Give our attentive and welcoming dental team a call at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your child’s dental visit to start them on a life-long path towards excellent dental health.

The post Children’s Dentist Explains The Importance of Fluoride for Oral Health appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges wants to help you explain the importance of dental cleaning to your children in an informative and accurate way. Our hope is that your child will continue visiting the dentist throughout his or her life—not just because you say so.

Here are five reasons why regular dental cleaning appointments are important:

1. To prevent cavities.

Your daily oral hygiene routine is a major factor in reducing the risk of cavities, but even those with the most effective oral hygiene routines need to visit the dentist every six months. Regular dental cleanings ensure that no food or plaque provides a home for bacteria in your mouth. These particles love to hide between your teeth, along the gum line, and on your tongue. When overlooked, plaque can create cavities in your teeth. Cavities can lead to pain, tooth sensitivity, and tooth loss.

The gentle and thorough care of a dental hygienist is extremely effective in cleaning those hard-to-reach areas of your smile.

2. To brighten your smile.

A regular dental cleaning can remove unwanted stains from your teeth caused by certain foods and drinks like:

• Coffee
• Berries
• Tomatoes
• Red wine
• Soda
• Candy

You most likely won’t experience the same results that professional whitening treatments deliver, but for lighter stains, dental cleanings are certainly effective.

3. To freshen breath.

If you or your child constantly have bad breath, a dental cleaning may be exactly what you need. Bad breath is embarrassing, but it can usually be cured by removing the bad bacteria from your teeth, tongue, and gums.

Continuous bad breath can be a sign of a more serious dental issue like tooth decay and gum disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today if you are experiencing this problem.

4. To improve your overall health.

The health of your mouth can have a direct impact on your overall health. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can lower your risk of certain health issues, such as:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Premature birth

By making your oral health a priority, you help keep your whole body healthy.

5.  To save money.

Right now, you are likely the one paying for your child’s dental appointments, but one day he or she will take over.

By attending regular dental cleanings, you and your child avoid more serious oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. If you were to skip regular dental appointments, these problems may develop and cause you to spend more money on expensive procedures and treatments.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to your oral health, overall health, and finances.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Appointments Today

Find fun and interesting ways to make these five reasons relatable to your child. Once you and your child arrive at your family dentist’s office, the dental team will make your child feel welcome and comfortable. Hopefully, the next appointment won’t require so much convincing!

Contact your local family dentist today to schedule regular dental cleanings for you and your child.

The post How to Explain the Importance of Dental Cleanings to Your Children appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

A family dentist has the same knowledge of oral health as a general dentist, but they are also experts on the unique needs of children. Possessing kid-friendly skills and knowledge of children’s oral development provides your child with a more pleasant experience and better dental care.

You may be thinking, what about a pediatric dentist? While a pediatric dentist does offer some advantages, family dentists will benefit the whole family.

Continue reading to learn about all the benefits of choosing a family dentist to be your children’s dentist.

Education

A family dentist recognizes that children are unique and require special dental services as they grow. The development of baby teeth will impact your child’s bite, speech patterns, nutrition, as well as the development of their permanent teeth.

Based on their extensive knowledge of child dental development, the family dentist will help you provide proper oral care to your toddler. Once your child is old enough to take care of his or her own teeth, the dentist can teach them the correct brushing and flossing methods to prevent cavities and other oral health problems.

In this way, the dentist and parent can work together to train the child on how to care for his or her teeth and gums.

The Right Services

Your family dentist will ensure your child’s health by offering preventative services, such as:

• Routine examinations
• Regular cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Cavity detection
• Dental sealants
• Orthodontic assessments

A family dentist also provides all of the same preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services for adults as a general dentist does. This way, you and your child can receive dental care at the same place and time.

Long-lasting relationships

Children thrive in stability and familiarity. These two factors are extremely important in making your child feel comfortable and confident when visiting the dentist. Your child will know what to expect when you bring him to the dentist every six months, and he or she may even begin looking forward to it!

The family dentist and your child will love developing a relationship from their first appointment until much later in life. We love seeing adolescent patients return to our dental practice as young adults.

Family History

A family dentist can treat the youngest of children and oldest of adults. This means as the dentist gets to know you and your family, they will also know what dental problems to anticipate for your children. Gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and dental misalignment often develop from underlying genetic factors.

By treating your dental problems, your children’s dentist can help him or her avoid teeth and gum problems that you may have experienced as a child.

Visit A Family Dentist Today

You only get one chance to give your child a good impression of the dentist, so choose the right one! Find a family dentist near you today. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth eruption.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges proudly provides the families of Duncan, OK with family-friendly dentistry. He actually decided to pursue dentistry after volunteering with Give Kids a Smile Day for underprivileged children while he was in college studying software development. His passion for giving children beautiful smiles is still apparent today. Schedule an appointment with our team at 580-255-4880.

The post Choose A Family Dentist as Your Children’s Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Pediatric Dental Examination

The first thing that our dentist Dr. Bridges will do is examine your child’s teeth. He will be looking at your child’s teeth and gums to ensure that they are in good health. In addition, he will check to make sure that your kid’s teeth are developing properly and that there are no early indicators of major dental or orthodontic issues.

Part of the dental examination process may include taking x-rays. These scans help us look for any tooth decay between teeth and make sure that the tooth roots are healthy.

Back-to-School Teeth Cleaning

A teeth cleaning is a must for any child who’s going back to school. Even if your kid is good about brushing, a teeth cleaning is still essential. Brushing your teeth can only do so much to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue clean; a cleaning will help your child’s teeth become as clean as possible.

Teeth cleanings remove the bacteria that lead to cavities, periodontal disease, and other teeth and gum issues. Plaque makes teeth look yellow and dull. Removing this plaque and tartar will ensure that your kid starts out the school year with the brightest and shiniest smile. In addition, a dental cleaning will help prevent your kid from missing school days due to dental issues.

Consider Dental Sealants

Let’s face it – kids aren’t always the best at taking care of their teeth. If you want to help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free, consider having a dental sealant applied. Dental sealants fill in the grooves of the back teeth to help keep acids from weakening tooth enamel. Bacteria eats through this weakened enamel, which is what causes cavities to form.

Tooth sealants have been proven to prevent over 80% of cavities for up to two years. Having a tooth sealant applied can help make sure your kid’s teeth stay healthy throughout the year.

Mouthguards for School Sports

If your kid will be playing sports in the coming school year, you may want to get your child a mouthguard. Mouthguards help prevent teeth from getting damaged or knocked loose during a sports game. It’s important that you get the mouthguard from our dental office – instead of purchasing a one-size-fits-all boil and bite guard – so that we can make sure it fits your child’s mouth securely. And if your kid already has a mouthguard, our dentist Dr. Bridges can check it for wear and tear and make sure it still fits well.

Contact Our Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Duncan, OK

If you’re looking to get your child’s smile ready for the new school year, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Our general dentist in Duncan provides a wide range of dental services, including pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Bridges is devoted to making sure that a visit to the dentist is as stress-free as possible for your children, and he’ll keep your kid’s teeth and gums in good health all year round. Our dental office serves the area in and around the 73533 zip code. Call our office today to schedule a back-to-school dental appointment for your child.

The post Back to School Smiles appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are in the area, and are looking for a new dental provider your whole family can see, consider Dr. Bridges! As a father of four himself, Dr. Bridges understands the concerns and goals you may have for your child’s oral health. Trust their smile (and yours!) to Dr. Bridges at Chisolm Trail Smile Center – one of the oldest dental practices in the area. Reach a member of our team at (580) 255-4880.

Good habits should start early.

Dr. Bridges has seen how early dental experiences can shape a child’s perception of dentists, dental services, as well as at-home oral care. The earlier a child can start seeing a dentist who they like and feel comfortable with, the less chance they may have of developing dental phobias and anxieties that could keep them away from critical care later down the road. Dr. Bridges loves being able to help children as young as one become more comfortable in the dental chair, by offering gentle care and providing a warm, welcoming, and kid-friendly atmosphere.

Oral health is crucial during early childhood years.

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends that children start regularly seeing a dentist at the age of one (or at least six months after the first primary tooth appears)? Since primary teeth eventually give way for permanent teeth, some people don’t think regular dental care is necessary. However, children learn how to speak and chew with primary teeth, so it’s important that they are kept healthy and strong until permanent teeth push through. Also, healthy teeth and gums make the transition to permanent teeth smoother, and can set your child up for a lifetime of better oral health.

In addition to routine cleaning, examinations, fluoride treatments and cavity detection, Dr. Bridges offers treatments that can help prepare a child’s smile for future orthodontic care. For instance, Dr. Bridges can place orthodontic spacers to keep your child’s smile from shifting after a primary tooth is lost prematurely. Other orthodontic assessments can help you understand early on what treatments your child may require to have a straighter smile.

Family dentistry can help everyone achieve better health.

As a parent, Dr. Bridges knows full well that kids follow their parents’ example in nearly everything –including oral health! By seeing a dentist, like Dr. Bridges, who can care for the whole family, your child can see the importance of oral care, no matter their age. Your regular attendance will help your child view the dentist as a normal and healthy habit, one that they should emulate. In addition, scheduling routine examinations and cleanings for the family is easier when everyone sees the same provider!

Kids are eager to learn and try new things.

Witnessing kids learning—and being excited to learn—is such a treat. Teachers and parents know how excited kids can get when learning new tasks, words, behaviors, and more. Dr. Bridges loves being able to help kids learn more about their teeth and gums: why they’re important, how they function, and how to keep them clean and strong. With a heart for teaching and educating patients, Dr. Bridges especially loves one-on-one chats with his youngest patients, who may be learning for the first time exactly how their teeth work, and why brushing is so important.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges, Duncan, OK Children’s Dentist.

Your child’s smile is a treasure; help protect and strengthen it through top-quality dental care in the Duncan, OK area. Contact Chisolm Trail Smile Center today to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges.

The post How Kids Inspired Dr. Bridges to Offer Children’s Dentistry appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

#1: Your Child’s Unique Needs Can Be Met

Compared to adults, children have unique and specific oral health needs. It is important to choose a dentist who understands these needs. Children are still developing – emotionally as well as physically. Their teeth are not permanent, and their mouths will continue to transition as they grow older. Our team can help your child care for his or her baby teeth until their permanent ones erupt.

#2: Your Child Can Develop Good Habits at an Early Age

Routine dental visits can help your child grow to enjoy oral health check-ups and learn the fundamentals of good hygiene. Our dental team will also support and encourage your child to practice good oral health habits from an early age. In addition to giving your child a sense of self-worth and confidence, routine dental visits can help your child take pride in having healthy teeth and gums.

#3: Early Detection of Oral Health Issues

Regular visits can also help your dentist catch and treat oral issues early, before they become problematic. Today, innovative techniques, such as digital imaging, can provide a multitude of information about the health of a child’s teeth. As a parent or caregiver, you will also be able to stay informed about the changes in your child’s teeth. Prevention is the best defense for good oral care. If issues are detected early, then there is a better chance they will not be come severe problems that require extensive treatment as an adult.

#4: Learning Lessons Early

As a parent or caregiver, it is your job to impart wisdom and understanding into your child.  Your child This can be an ongoing job. Children may not always follow the directions they are given, but their inquisitive eyes and minds will always see and compute what is happening around them. When your child arrives for his or her dental checkup, we do much more than clean the teeth. We also talk about how cavities form, and explain the importance of daily brushing and flossing.

#5: Better Nutrition

Perhaps the connection between oral health and nutrition is one that is not readily seen, but it is certainly there. The health of your child’s teeth has a lot to do with his or her diet. If a child learns how to make better food choices, they are more inclined to choose healthy options as an adult. Your children’s dentist will encourage a healthier diet by showing the child what happens to teeth that are exposed to tremendous amounts of sugar and chemicals. As a parent or caregiver, you can reiterate the need for healthy foods at home.

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center

If you are in search of a new dental home for you or a loved one, we invite you to visit our practice. Chisholm Trail Smiles Center is proud to serve residents of Duncan, OK with comprehensive dental services for the entire family. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with your Duncan dentist, call us at 580-255-4880, or reach out to us online.

The post 5 Benefits of Children’s Dentistry appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Are you looking for a new children’s dentist in Duncan, OK? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center to see what makes us a great choice for family dentistry! Dr. Matthew Bridges loves helping our youngest patients get started on a lifetime of good oral health! Call our office at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your newest family member!

Why Early Dental Visits are a Good Idea

Current American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations suggest you should bring your children in for a first dental visit by their first birthday. Early dental visits are a happy opportunity for children to learn that the dentist’s office is a place where good things happen. We always lavish our youngest patients with calm, friendly attention and give them the time they need to get comfortable with the idea of the dentist. This helps prevent any fear or uncertainty from coloring a first visit.

Early visits are also a great opportunity for parents to connect with an oral health care provider to learn about oral hygiene for children, recommended practices, and how to control children’s diets for optimal oral health. Did you know, for example, that under current recommendations children under two years should not be given fruit juice? This is a recent change to the dietary advice parents have been given in the past, and regular contact with an oral care provider every six months gives you the chance to get the most up-to-date information on health research and recommendations.

Don’t Wait for a Toothache!

The longer you wait to bring your child to children’s dentist, the more difficult a time he or she may have. Preschool-aged children should start getting gentle teeth cleanings to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar. Skipping early dental cleanings can easily result in the development of tooth decay. Why is this? Children are often too young to clean their teeth properly, for one. Children also have thinner tooth enamel, which means cavities can develop faster than they do for adults.

If you skip professional teeth cleaning appointments and wait for your child to complain of a toothache before you think to bring him or her to the dentist, you are not starting out on the best foot. Children should get acquainted with the dentist’s office when they are not experiencing pain or have a sense that something has “gone wrong.” If you wait until your child develops a cavity, you may be setting him or her up for a lifetime of dental anxiety.

How to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth

If your infant has teeth, you should be spending some time every day keeping them clean. While there are tooth brushes and gum massagers made specifically for infants, you don’t have to buy special tools to keep baby’s first teeth clean. A small piece of sterile gauze makes an excellent tooth cleaning implement, as does a damp baby washcloth. Rub the teeth gently every day to remove plaque. Children can develop plaque on their teeth even if they aren’t yet eating solid foods, so oral hygiene should be a priority from the very first tooth.

If you do choose to use a toothbrush, be sure to choose a baby-sized brush with very soft bristles. You don’t have to use toothpaste in the first years, but if you do—use only an age-appropriate product. Infants should not be using fluoride-containing toothpastes until they are old enough to understand how to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing.

Toddler Teeth and Beyond

As infants get older and try to become more independent, let them try to brush their own teeth—but don’t hand over the reins just yet! Parents should still make sure children get a thorough tooth-brushing more times than not, and this often means doing it yourself. As your child tries to become more independent in his/her brushing, practice co-brushing to model good brushing technique. Children love to brush their teeth with Mom or Dad, and often learn best by imitation. Also, bring your child to a children’s dentist every six months for a routine check-up and teeth cleaning.

Do not start using a fluoride-containing toothpaste until you are certain your child is spitting most of it out. Fluoride is the best way to protect and strengthen teeth, but it can be toxic in high doses. Even in non-toxic doses, ingesting fluoride at a young age can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which creates permanent stains on their developing adult teeth.

Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center to Learn More!

If you are a new parent, or are looking for a children’s dentist in Duncan, OK, visit our office to learn more. There are a million things we would love to tell you about, to help you protect your children’s smiles and get them started on a lifetime of good oral health. Call our office at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your little one!

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