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Did you know that more than 75 percent of American children who still get
cavities are under three years old? "Baby-bottle tooth decay" is the
culprit, and it can affect any baby or toddler who is given a bottle or
sippy cup containing formula, milk, juice or other sweetened liquid as a
pacifier. Baby-bottle tooth decay occurs when liquids containing any sugar
come into frequent, prolonged contact with the surface of the teeth. Add to
that the fact that the flow of tooth-cleaning saliva is lowest during sleep,
and you have the ideal environment for starting the cavity process. The best
advice: try not to use the bottle or cup as a pacifier. It you must resort
to using a bottle, fill it with water, which won't harm the baby's teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends the first check-up to be around
the time of your baby's first birthday. Early preventive dental care can
detect little problems before they become big ones - stay healthy and save
money!
To insure that your child enjoys a lifetime of good dental health, it is
important to begin oral hygiene in infancy. Babies usually like to have
their gums gently rubbed. As a parent, when you do this you are starting a
habit that will provide a head start for your child's healthy teeth and
gums. Here is how to do it: Support the baby's head and gently rub the gums
with gauze or a clean washcloth. Use just enough pressure to remove any milk
debris or plaque. This should be done each day before the teeth erupt. As
soon as your baby's teeth do come in. they should be cleaned with a small
soft tooth brush. We can supply everything you need. gently brush both the
front and the back of each tooth. Continue to clean the gums well.
Toothpaste is not necessary. Brush for the child at least once per day.
Evening is the best time.
To clean a young child's teeth, have the child stand with his or her back
leaning against you. Cup your hand under their chin and tilt the head upward
. This position will allow you to clean the back teeth (molars). Use a pea
size dab of fluoride toothpaste for children. All teeth that are close to
each other should be cleaned between with floss. To insure that the job is
done correctly, parents should assist with and monitor both brushing
and flossing until the child is at least eight years old.
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Smile Clinic, S.C.
1602 N 18th Street
Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220
920 682-9131
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