News Moms Need

As soon as you little one’s first tooth appears, start a brushing routine with water. Later, when she is old enough to spit it out, introduce toothpaste.  The American Dental Association recommends that parents start a brushing routine when teeth first start to appear.  When you use toothpaste, make it a small (pea-sized) amount of a non-fluoride brand.  Toothpaste containing fluoride should not be used until your child is two years old, unless recommended by her dentist.  Fluoride mouth rinses should not be given to children under the age of six.  Flossing?  Start flossing as soon as two teeth start to touch each other.

So when should you actually take her to the dentist?  The ADA recommends that your baby be seen for her first dental visit within six months of the eruption of her first tooth and no later than her first birthday.  Sound early to you?  Well, the dentist will check the shape of your baby’s mouth, her teeth and gums, but also look for signs of damage caused by thumb sucking, decide if your tot might need fluoride supplementation earlier than age two, and then he’ll set a schedule for regular dental care and visits.  Starting healthy habits early will help protect her teeth for a lifetime.

I’m just squeaking this in on time!  February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.   But any month is a good time to begin to teach your children the importance of taking care of their teeth. The American Dental Association  sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to promote the importance of good oral health beginning at a young age.  They have good info on their site as well as fun activity sheets for kids.

As tots, get your little ones used to a regular routine of cleaning their teeth.  It’s easiest to start when they are small with a couple of teeth.  Even if they just chew on the toothbrush, they will be starting a good habit which you can perfect over time.

It’s up to us at home to make sure our kids are brushing, flossing and having regular checkups. When my kids were young, I swore I wasn’t going to give them sugary drinks and junk food, only healthy stuff – so I gave them raisins.  Not such a great idea, unless they brush well right after eating them.  Those sticky little things are loaded with sugar!  Check out some healthy snacks.    Regular visits with the dentist can help you prevent problems in the future. Treatments like fluoride, sealants or even braces can help keep your kid’s teeth healthy and strong.

I just got back from my dentist’s office. Even though I’m only five and a half months, this was the second cleaning and check-up I’ve had. Back in the spring when I told the hygienist that we were thinking of starting a family she recommended that I come back during early pregnancy and continue to see the dentist more often than usual. 

Due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow, gums are more likely to become inflamed or infected during pregnancy. Most pregnant women have some bleeding of their gums, especially while brushing or flossing their teeth.

Don’t put off dental work until after delivery. Decaying teeth can cause infection that could harm your baby. Always be sure to tell your dentist that you’re pregnant and how far along you are.