One of the best ways to be sure your child will have healthy teeth and gums into adulthood is to teach them to practice good oral hygiene.
You can start getting your child accustomed to having his or her teeth cleaned in infancy by gently cleaning their gums after they nurse or are given a bottle. Once their teeth start to come in, brush them gently with an infant toothbrush. An infant toothbrush is very soft and gentle to a baby’s teeth and gums, but will help acclimate the child to the feel of having his teeth brushed.
As your child gets older, you can gradually teach her to brush her own teeth. It takes a certain amount of coordination to effectively brush your teeth on your own, so it might be a few years before you can depend on your child to fly solo. In the meantime, be sure to demonstrate proper technique, and have Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro help you by also demonstrating during regular appointments.
Flossing, too, is very important for children to learn to do properly. Many children like the plastic floss holders shaped like colorful animals, as these are easier for small hands to maneuver than a piece of floss. Ask Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro to recommend a product that will work well for your child.
Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro provide pediatric dentistry in the Mesa, Arizona area, as well as Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. For questions about when your child should see the dentist, or how to teach your child proper dental hygiene, please contact the offices of Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro for a consultation or an appointment.