How to Establish Good Oral Healthcare Habits Early  

Scheduling regular appointments for pediatric dentistry in Reseda, CA is important for children of all ages. We recommend that parents schedule their child’s first dentist appointment around the first birthday.

Even though your infant may have few teeth at just 12 months old, we use the appointment time to demonstrate how to clean your baby’s teeth and gums most effectively. We recommend that parents use a soft washcloth to wipe breast milk or formula residue from the gums. To avoid potential cavities later, avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.

You can start using a small toothbrush with just a dab of toothpaste on it after your baby’s first teeth erupt. Plan to brush your child’s teeth through the infant and toddler years and then slowly transition into the task once your child has greater coordination.

Set a Good Example to Give Your Child the Gift of Great Oral Healthcare for a Lifetime

Children look to their parents for guidance when it comes to taking care of their teeth. If your child sees you prioritizing your oral health, chances are he or she will as well. Here are some specific tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on how to help children develop an excellent oral healthcare routine:

• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day. Once your child is two years old, look for toothpaste with added fluoride.
• Limit the availability of snacks containing added sugar for special occasions. Be sure to make healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables available in their place. Children who eat mostly healthy snacks early in life may never develop a taste for artificially sweetened foods when they get older.
• Give your child a glass of water at mealtimes instead of fruit juice or soda that can contain a lot of extra sugar and calories.

Canby Dental is Your Partner in Pediatric Oral Health

We offer pediatric dentistry in Reseda, CA that compliments the oral healthcare routine you have at home with your child. For example, your child could benefit from sealants or fluoride treatments to keep the primary teeth strong and healthy.

If your child is almost a year old or it has been more than six months since the last dental check-up, please contact us to schedule an appointment soon.