mother and father with young child before the first visit to her pediatric dentist in Houston

Good oral hygiene is an integral part of taking care of your teeth. This process takes time to learn properly, and the process should begin with a baby’s first tooth and follow throughout childhood. These teachings, when they are young, will give them the groundwork for a lifetime of good oral health.

When Should Babies Start Brushing?

Brushing of teeth is the first step to keeping teeth healthy and problem free. For this reason, it is essential that you start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start coming through the gums or even before. You can use a baby toothbrush or gum massager. As the teeth start coming in this process may even help relieve some of the pain of teething. At this young age, it is vital that you only use water and not toothpaste. It is also important to remember to schedule your baby’s first appointment with your pediatric dentist.

What Happens During Baby Dental Examines?

Starting your baby out with regular visits with your family dentist will accomplish two things. First, they will learn from a young age the benefits and importance of preventive exams, and they will also learn not to fear the dentist. So, what happens during the baby’s first dental examines?

The first visits will be mostly to check the development of your baby’s teeth and check for any signs of issues. Your family dentist may do a gentle cleaning of baby’s teeth. This time will also be spent telling the doctor about habits your child has and discussing the effects of these habits. Some of these habits may be bottle feeding, the recommended time to use a sippy cup, and the impact of pacifiers on the development of your child’s teeth.

Start Your Kids with a Family Dentist for Life

You want to start your children off with the best start in all things; dental health should definitely be included in this list. Finding a dentist in Houston that can become your child’s dentist for life is easy with Acadian Family Dental. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will help teach you and your child the best way to start and continue their oral hygiene routine throughout their lives.

Starting your baby off early with a regular oral hygiene routine will teach them the importance of taking care of their teeth and the necessity for regular dental exams. It will also allow them to build their trust in their family dentist and give them a relationship that can bring a lifetime of good oral hygiene decisions.