This three-part article series explains some very important information about dental health care for children, which faces some unique challenges many parents are completely unaware of.

With staggering the multitude of new routines, concerns and important lessons new parents have to learn, looking after their baby’s teeth tends to take a back seat. Why? Because they don’t have any teeth! Not yet at least. But, according to experienced Palos Verdes dentists, the proper oral healthcare that will have your progeny enjoying a beautiful and healthy smile for life begins at age zero. Even before your tiny tot has sprouted his or her first milk teeth, there are things you should be doing and things you should not be doing to ensure that his or her tiny teeth and tiny mouth develop properly.

So, in this three-part article series, we shall be discussing these do’s and don’ts so that you can give your beautiful new son or daughter the best possible start to excellent lifelong oral health. First, let’s take a look at general dental care…

Milk Teeth, Hygiene and Their First Visit to the Dentist

Many Rancho Palos Verdes parents make the mistake of assuming their babies don’t need to visit the dentist or that they don’t need to provide their child with any kind of oral healthcare because they don’t have any teeth, or they only have a few of their milk teeth. In fact, you should be cleaning your baby’s mouth after every meal, as any adult should!

“Take a soft damp cloth and gently wipe down their gums,” explains one Palos Verdes dentist. “If they have already sprouted a few milk teeth, use a soft bristled child’s toothbrush to gently brush their teeth. You can do this with water alone, because at this young age it will be hard for you to prevent your baby from swallowing the toothpaste.”

Your Baby’s First Dental Check-Up

With regards to dental visits, you should bring your tiny tots to the dentist for their first check-ups by their 1st birthday at the very latest. Babies typically start growing their milk teeth, or primary teeth, between the ages of six and 12 months. As soon as you notice your child’s first tooth emerging, you should start looking for a good family dentist who has a great rapport with children and with whom you can develop a good relationship with over the course of your baby’s development and maturation.

Establishing a schedule for routine check-ups is not only fundamental for the healthy emergence and development of your child’s dentition, but it also gets them used to receiving professional dental care. A fear of the dentist is extremely common amongst Rancho Palos Verdes residents and in many cases it keeps them from receiving the professional healthcare they need to maintain good oral health. You can help your child avoid this trap with routine check-ups from as early an age as possible. By the time they’re able to walk and talk, a visit to the dentist will be like a walk in the park with a lollipop at the end!

So, what can you expect from your baby’s first visit to a family dentist in Rancho Palos Verdes?

“We will take a look at your baby’s mouth to make sure everything looks normal and healthy,” explains a family dentist. “We will see how the milk teeth are emerging, as well as examine the various oral structures for early signs of orthodontic problems. Essentially, your child’s first dental visit is an opportunity for us to meet with the new member of your family and begin the preventative dental care and treatment necessary to guide the healthy development of their teeth, jaws and mouth.

“We will also explain to you in great detail what you should be doing to keep your child’s teeth and gums clean. And should you ever have any questions, concerns or dental emergencies, you can always give us a call.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more important facts and information about oral healthcare for tiny tots, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.