Knowing when to seek pediatric dental care for a child is crucial for ensuring their oral health is protected. This information aims to inform parents of the information they need, so their child’s smile is kept beautiful and healthy for life. With the right care at home and from the Pediatric Dentists in Bremerton WA, children can avoid cavities and gum disease.
Providing Oral Care at Home
The first step to protecting a child’s oral health is providing treatment at home. Brushing and flossing are integral to keeping the teeth clean, so plaque does not begin to cause decay. Oral care practices need to start before a child even cuts their teeth.
Just wiping the gum tissue with a soft wet cloth will clean milk residue and encourage healthy teeth and gums. This should be done after each feeding to keep the baby’s mouth healthy. Once the child begins to grow teeth, they will need to have them brushed a couple of times a day.
Flossing will not need to be carried out until the teeth begin to grow together. Before then, brushing is sufficient for removing plaque and food particles on all sides of the teeth. Care at home, and a proper diet will work together to ensure children keep healthy teeth and gums.
When Should Children See the Dentist
A child will need to begin seeing the dentist around the time their first tooth cuts through or at one year of age. When a child first starts seeing the dentist, they will not have X-rays carried out. Most children begin having X-rays around the age of five so the dentist can monitor their tooth and jawbone growth.
A full examination and X-rays will determine if there are any cavities present that need to be treated. Prompt cavity intervention will help to prevent damage to surrounding teeth and the adult teeth located down in the sockets.
If your child is in need of dental care, contact the Pediatric Dentists in Bremerton Wa right away. Call today so your child’s preventative care appointment can be scheduled. Allow the dentist to care for your child’s teeth.
