Even before baby’s first tooth, you can start building healthy habits by taking care of your baby’s gums. After feedings, you can wrap a clean, damp wash cloth around your index finger, and gently sweep over your baby’s gums. This will do two things: clean your baby’s mouth of any fragments of food as well as build the basis for oral hygiene habits. The more you baby gets used to you cleaning their mouth after feedings, the more likely they are to be comfortable with a toothbrush in the near future.
When that first tooth makes its appearance between ages 6-12 months, you can introduce a soft bristle toothbrush. You can choose between a toothbrush with a handle that you and your baby can hold at the same time, or a toothbrush that your wear like a finger puppet. At this point, you can skip the toothpaste and just use water. You can temporarily switch back to a damp cloth if baby is not reacting well to a toothbrush.
Flossing is also important when it comes to teaching hygiene habits, however this is a little different from brushing, so we recommend discussing this with your doctor. They can instruct you on when to start flossing and how to best help your child. If you notice signs of decay on your child’s teeth, contact our office immediately.
Once your child has multiple teeth, you can start to introduce small amounts of fluoride free toothpaste onto your child’s brush. Have your child practice spitting out the toothpaste to prepare for future use of fluoride toothpaste which should never be swallowed.
Because children under 2 cannot use fluoride to help protect against cavities and decay, it is extra important that you help them take care of their new teeth. As teeth come in, examine them every two weeks, keeping an eye on discoloration or lines that could be a sign of decay. Best practice is to make sure children are brushing after every meal as well as before bed.
Children of all ages should avoid sugary sweetened drinks and foods as the sugars promote tooth decay. Even fruit juice, formula, and breast milk can lead to decay which is why brushing from such a young age is so important. Babies should never go to bed with a bottle for this reason. When these sugary liquids have extended contact with the teeth, it leads to early childhood decay or baby bottle caries.
The easiest way to encourage children to brush their teeth is to lead by example. Children are naturally curious and want to mimic you. If they see you brushing and flossing daily, they will show interest. Offer them their own toothbrush when they show interest, preferable a child’s toothbrush with a chunky, short handle for easier grip. Although they will not be able to properly brush their own teeth, allowing them the time to hold and play with a toothbrush can help them feel more comfortable with having their teeth brushed. Most children do not have the motor skills to properly clean their teeth until about age six or seven, so they may need assistance up until this age.
If you have older children who treat brushing teeth as a chore, try making it more fun. You can do this by letting them pick out a toothbrush with a character they like, or a tooth paste with their favorite flavor. Play songs that are two minutes long as a timer for child to know when they are done brushing. Whatever gets your child excited about brushing their teeth, so they can build lifelong healthy oral hygiene habits.
At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, our mission revolves around you, the patient, and ensuring your optimal oral health and a confident smile.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are typically recommended every six months. However, the frequency may vary depending on your individual oral health needs. During your visit, our team will assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations for ongoing care.
Yes, we understand that dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. We offer various sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation, to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your dental procedures. Our team is dedicated to creating a calming environment and ensuring a positive experience for all patients.
In addition to regular dental check-ups, practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy diet. Our team will provide personalized guidance on oral hygiene techniques and recommend preventive treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
Yes, we warmly welcome new patients to El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness. We would be delighted to have you as part of our dental family. Simply contact our office to schedule an appointment, and our friendly team will assist you with the necessary paperwork and answer any questions you may have.
We accept various payment options to accommodate our patients’ needs. These include cash, major credit cards, and dental insurance plans. We can also discuss flexible financing options and help you navigate your insurance coverage to make dental care more affordable.
Absolutely! At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to enhance your smile. These include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and smile makeovers. During a consultation, our team will assess your cosmetic goals and recommend the most suitable treatment options to achieve the smile you desire.
In the event of a dental emergency, it’s important to contact our office immediately. Our team will prioritize your situation and make every effort to provide prompt care. We offer emergency dental services to address issues such as severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken dental restorations, and other urgent dental concerns.
Yes, we provide various options for replacing missing teeth. Our services include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. During a consultation, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your preferences, and recommend the most suitable tooth replacement solution for you.
Absolutely. We offer evaluation and treatment for sleep-related issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Our team can discuss potential solutions, including oral appliances, that can help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. We work closely with sleep specialists when necessary to ensure comprehensive care.
Ready to experience exceptional dental care at El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness? Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions you may have and assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit.
El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness is conveniently located in El Dorado Hills, California. Our address is 2222 Francisco Dr # 460, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. If you’re a new patient, we welcome you to our practice! We look forward to meeting you and providing you with exceptional dental care.
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