Adopting Good Habits

Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year. Primary teeth help children chew and speak.
Even before infants’ baby teeth erupt, parents can take steps to ensure their children’s oral health. Beginning with using a damp gauze pad to gently wipe baby’s gums, parents can remove residual milk, formula, and fruit juices from the mouth. These liquids contain sugars that bacteria feed on and produce acids that attack teeth. For this reason, a baby should not be allowed to fall asleep with a bottle of juice or formula in his or her mouth. Parents should start brushing their children’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. Flossing to prevent cavities between teeth should start when two teeth have erupted next to each other.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year. Primary teeth help children chew and speak. This column is brought to you in the interest of better dental health. At the office of RICHARD SEIDLER, D.D.S. - FAMILY DENTISTRY, you can expect us to give you gentle, comforting care using the most up-to-date techniques and equipment. We’re located at 5000 Main Street at South Colony Boulevard, Suite 206, The Colony, where our trained professional staff works as a team to make your visits pleasant. Please call 972.625.2222 to schedule an appointment. We will always discuss your treatment options with you. Most dental insurance accepted.

Did you know?
Poor oral health has been associated with the proliferation of unfriendly bacteria that, over a lifetime, can lead to heart disease and stroke.

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