Losing Your Baby Teeth - In Your Local Los Angeles, CA Area

Baby Teeth: Dental Care Before The Tooth Fairy.

A child's first dental visit to the pediatric dentist is usually scheduled around his second birthday. But what happens before baby (primary) teeth fall out and the tooth fairy pays a visit is vital to a child's well being.

A healthy set of baby teeth can ensure proper facial development, and that your baby will speak and eat properly.

Whether breast-fed or bottle fed, baby gums need to be cleaned after every feeding. Simply moisten a gauze square and gently wipe away plaque. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything but water. (Read labels carefully: many infant juices contain sugar.)

After all 20 baby teeth have come in -- between 2 and 3 years – begin regular brushing. Make it a fun experience for you and your child. Beginning at about 2-1/2 years, examine your child's teeth every three months. Using a dental mirror, hold it behind the tooth surfaces and shine a penlight onto the mirror. Check for stained areas you may have missed with disclosing tablets (available at your pharmacy). If a child has a fall or is in a fight, look for any baby teeth that look blue -- a sign of injury, and call your pediatric dentist.

Research shows that kids who are brushing their teeth by the age of five will continue this habit all their lives. So give your child a head start on good dental health.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Early Child Dentist Visits

Many people don't consider a child's need for pediatric dental care until they actually get their pearly whites. In fact, most kids don't see their child dentist until about two years of age (though they really should have their first appointment by their first birthday). Why spend a lot of time worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, right? While it's true that it's pointless to check an empty mouth for cavities, good child dental care habits begin long before a baby's first baby teeth break through the gums. Ensuring that teeth grow in healthy and in place will result in proper facial arrangement and speaking abilities.

Caring for Your Baby's Teeth!

Whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, baby gums need to be cleaned after every feeding. Just moisten a gauze square and gently wipe away plaque. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything but water! Sugar could decay teeth beginning to surface. It's also a difficult habit to break, so nix it now before you have to try to pry juice from your 5-year-old's hands.

Healthy Habits Last a Lifetime

Research shows that kids who are brushing their teeth by the age of five will continue this habit all their lives. Begin supervised flossing by this age as well, and be sure to get your child to a dentist by his or her first birthday. Remember that a healthy diet is an important part of good oral health, so reinforce wise food selections during each and every meal. Give your child a head start on good dental health!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.