Lifelong oral health starts at a young age, so it’s essential for parents to demonstrate and teach their children about good oral hygiene practices early on. Along with at-home oral hygiene practices, your child should regularly see the dentist by the time they are one year old. In this blog, we discuss how crucial early oral health can set children up for good overall health & well-being!

Good Oral Health Can Prevent Tooth Decay

Practicing good oral health with your baby or toddler can help prevent tooth decay at the age they are most susceptible to it. As soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges from their gums, they are at risk for developing cavities. Tooth decay is especially common for babies who are put to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or other sugary drink. In severe cases, infants with tooth decay could require extractions. By practicing good dental hygiene with your child from the time they are an infant, you can help establish and maintain their oral health for years!

Promote Healthy Gums

By practicing good oral hygiene with your children from birth, you can promote healthy gums! Follow these easy steps to promote healthy gums in your infant:

• Gently clean their mouth after feeding them. To do this, wipe any remaining milk or other food off the gums using a clean, damp washcloth. You should do this at least twice per day, especially after their last feeding of the day.
• Brush their teeth with an infant toothbrush once their first tooth emerges.

Set a Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health Habits

By demonstrating and teaching your children about good oral hygiene practices at a young age, you can set up their oral health for life! In addition to teaching your children about at-home oral hygiene practices like twice daily brushing and flossing, you should bring your child to routine dental visits starting at a young age. When toddlers become comfortable with the dentist, they’re far more likely to visit the dentist regularly as adults.

Dentistry Services for All Ages at Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH

Lindner Dental Associates has been serving the Bedford, NH and surrounding communities with friendly and experienced dental services for nearly four decades now! From pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery to adult and cosmetic dentistry, we love helping our patients! Contact us on our website or call us at 603-624-3900 to get started on your dental visit today!