A Parents Primer For Pediatric Dental Hygiene

Everyone wants to ensure that they protect their baby’s health. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of a healthy child, it’s common for parents to forget oral health matters. Protecting your infant’s oral health starts before the arrival of their first tooth and continues for a lifetime. Getting an early start on oral health practices have many benefits, including a healthy relationship with dental care and solid dental hygiene habits. The team here at OC Kids Dental wants to help parents and children get a solid start to life with great oral health. We put together this simple primer about pediatric dental hygiene to achieve this.

A Parents Primer For Pediatric Dental Hygiene

There’s a common misconception amongst new parents that oral hygiene isn’t crucial until your child’s adult teeth arrive. This myth isn’t just incorrect; it’s also dangerous to lasting oral health. Your child’s primary (baby) teeth have an essential role to play in their lifelong oral health. Their presence ensures that the jaw develops appropriately, leaving enough room for adult teeth to grow straight and healthy. Losing even a single tooth before it falls out naturally can have consequences for the future health of your child’s smile.

So how early do parents need to start taking action to protect their children’s oral health? Many are surprised to learn that this journey begins in the womb. Studies have revealed that the mother’s oral health can impact the oral health of her developing child. Mothers with poor dental health or unhealthy diets can expose their growing infant to harmful bacteria. This means protecting your baby’s oral health starts with caring for your own.

There are five steps that parents should follow to protect their infant’s oral health:

• Pregnant women need to arrange for an exam and cleaning as part of their second-trimester care. This helps to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria and infection to their child.
• Cosmetic treatments should be avoided until after the child is born.
• Parents should wash their child’s gums in the morning, evening, and after every feeding with damp gauze throughout their first year or until they begin to teethe.
• Your child’s first dental appointment should take place by their first birthday. However, if a tooth should erupt before this, then their first appointment should be scheduled soon after.

Your child’s first visit will include a comprehensive evaluation of their developing oral health. This visit will also include educational opportunities for the parents. You’ll also be taught how to start flossing your child’s teeth moving forward. It’s a good habit to start right away, as it will help your child become accustomed to the process.

Learn More About Pediatric Dental Hygiene With Our Team

If you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or have recently given birth, it’s time to schedule your first pediatric health visit with Dr. Cima Atabaki in Aliso Viejo, CA. They’ll help you prepare for the exciting road ahead by teaching you how to ensure your child develops excellent oral health. You can schedule your first pediatric dental exam by calling (949) 362-9860 and finding a convenient day and time with the help of our staff.

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