What Every Parent Should Know About Pediatric Dental Care

The habits kids develop often carry with them throughout their lives. That’s why developing the right ones — from making healthy food choices to brushing and flossing every day — makes a big difference.

Here at Supertooth in Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Germantown, Maryland, our caring dental team delivers the top-tier pediatric dental care your child needs for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We’re also here to partner with you to help them establish the right oral health habits at home.

Here’s what every parent should know about pediatric dental care. 

Start early

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child should make their first trip to the pediatric dentist by the time they turn 1. If a tooth comes in before that, schedule their inaugural appointment then. 

By visiting the dentist as soon as your child gets teeth, you get a dental professional involved to ensure their teeth are developing normally. And by returning to the dentist every six months, you help avoid decay and disease in your child’s mouth — a condition that occurs in more than 40% of children. 

Don’t visit a dentist’s office where they feel uncomfortable

If your child feels nervous at the dentist now, they’re much more likely to avoid dental appointments when they’re older. You don’t want to create a connection in their mind between a dentist’s appointment and an anxiety-inducing experience.

It’s worth trying different dentists to find a place where your child feels comfortable. Here at Supertooth, our team is committed to creating the best experience possible for your son or daughter. 

Start developing healthy habits at home

As soon as your child gets his first tooth, start brushing. Use a soft-bristled brush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. Generally, if your child is under 3 years old, that toothpaste should be about the size of a grain of rice. Once they turn 3, it can be pea-sized. 

Once your child has two teeth touching each other, it’s time to start flossing.

Around age 6 or 7, start teaching your child how to brush their teeth and floss themselves. 

For a deeper look at flossing and brushing with your child, start here. 

Protect their teeth during sports

If your child plays sports, a mouthguard can protect them from losing a tooth. Talk with our team; we’ll let you know if a mouthguard is recommended based on the sport your child plays. 

You don’t have to be the only one responsible for your child’s oral health. Here at Supertooth, our team partners with you. To set your child up with pediatric dental care to support a lifetime of oral health, call the Supertooth office nearest you or make your appointment online today.