Amazing, but true:One in 2000 babies is born with teeth.
But even if your little sweetie isn't that one in 2000, chances are by the end of year one he'll be sporting some pearly whites. The American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month in February, and so what better time than now to start prioritizing your tiny tot's teeth?
The Acadamy of General Dentistry encourages the establishment of good oral hygiene from infancy, and provides these tips for new parents:
• Clean your infant's gums with a clean, damp cloth twice a day.
• Ask your dentist when you may begin to rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on your child’s gums. Doing so will help your child become accustomed to the flavor of toothpaste.
• As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.
• Help a young child brush at night, which is the most important time to brush, due to lower salivary flow during sleep and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque.
• By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper parental instruction and supervision.
For more tips and help finding a dentist near you, visit www.knowyourteeth.com.
