LAKEVILLE, SAVAGE & ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – Parents of infants often wonder when is the right time to get their youngster into an oral hygiene regimen.
We’re glad they ask the question, because getting started on the right foot with good information can prevent trouble down the road.
“Good oral care should begin before a child’s first teeth appear,” says Dr. Trudy Bonvino, a Savage and Lakeville orthodontist who treats patients from throughout the area, including St. Paul.
Here at Cosmopolitan Orthodontics, we may not see your child until they’re age seven, but we want to provide parents will all the tools necessary to keep your children’s teeth healthy in the mean time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the one of the following oral care routines for babies:
- Wipe babies’ gums with a soft washcloth after feeding
- Use a toothbrush specifically for babies with water only- no toothpaste
- Use a cleanser designed for cleaning babies’ teeth and gums
By the time a baby reaches his/her first birthday, you should brush existing teeth at least two times per day. Once your child’s teeth have erupted to the point that they touch each other, it is time to start a flossing regimen, says Dr. Bonvino, who specializes in child and adult orthodontics. Flossing should be done at least twice weekly, according to the Australian Dental Association.
“This is important, because once those teeth can touch, food particles can become wedged between them, which can lead to bacterial growth and plaque development,” she says.
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