Did you know that the AAPD recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the baby’s first tooth erupts? Oral health through proper oral hygiene is crucial to the overall health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents. It covers a range of health promotion and disease prevention concerns, including dental caries; periodontal (gums) health; proper development and alignment of facial bones, jaws, and teeth; other oral diseases and conditions; and trauma or injury to the mouth and teeth. Growing Together Pediatrics recommends that your child sees a dentist every 6 months.

Tips for Healthy Teeth:

• Avoid breastfeeding to soothe. Prolonged breastfeeding can lead to a misalignment of your child’s jaw.
• Avoid using sippy-cups and bottles as a substitution for pacifiers. We recommend discontinuing bottle use by age 15 months. This can lead to dental caries (tooth decay, cavities).
• Avoid sticky and/or chewy candy.
• Use of toothpaste that contains fluoride once the child can spit.
• Helping with and/or supervising the brushing of your child’s teeth at least TWICE A DAY for at least TWO MINUTES in a circular motion
• Flossing ONCE A DAY before bedtime