When Should Your Child Have a Dental Visit?

At HealthFinders Collaborative, we provide care to all ages including infants, and definitely recommend a dental visit by age 1. Developing good oral health habits at an early age and visiting a dental provider regularly helps children get a great start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. While true any time, it is especially important for parents to take care of their child's and their own oral health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to prevent oral disease. Here are a few healthy tips:

1. It is never too early to start cleaning your baby’s gums. Use a damp washcloth over their gums to clear away harmful bacteria.

2. Begin brushing your baby’s teeth with an infant toothbrush when you see a tooth coming in.

3. Use water and a tiny bit of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

4. Use fluoride toothpaste. (If you are using baby toothpaste without the fluoride, keep it to the same amount because you still want to minimize any toothpaste that is swallowed.)

5. Once your child’s teeth touch, you can start flossing daily in between them.

6. Around age 2, your child should learn to spit while brushing.

7. Kids ages 3 and up should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

8. Always supervise and assist children younger than 6 while brushing.

9. Limit sugary foods and drinks.

10. Drink plenty of water. You can learn about other cavity-preventing tips and treatments for your children at HealthFinders Collaborative. Like Josie, having fluoride treatments and routine cleanings to remove plaque and dangerous bacteria can help reduce tooth decay. We love to see those smiles shine!