4740 Woodmere Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36106
334-676-2144
Expectant Moms
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to take care of your oral health and the oral health of your unborn child. Make sure to schedule a dental checkup to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Bacteria in your mouth can affect your child, and once your child is born, bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can be passed from you to your child. To start building a healthy smile early, schedule a complimentary consult with Bush Pediatric Dentistry.
0-2 Year Olds
Babies are usually born without teeth, but it’s important to start keeping their mouth healthy even before teeth come in. Gently wipe your baby’s gums after feeding. Most of your child’s teeth will appear between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. As soon as teeth start to come in, use a “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste to brush them. Never put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup, as this can cause severe cavities quickly. During this time, transition your child from a sippy cup to using a cup without a lid or straw.
3-4 Year Olds
Most children have all of their baby teeth by the age of three. We recommend using a “pea-sized” amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day, especially before bed. If your child enjoys brushing, let them brush and then brush again to make sure the teeth are properly cleaned. Limit juice to 4-6 ounces per day. Remember to give juice only once, milk with meals, and water whenever to help develop healthy habits that lead to a healthy smile. During this time, it’s also important to help your child stop using a pacifier and stop thumb/finger-sucking habits. Stopping these habits at this age can help prevent negative effects on the teeth.
5-10 Year Olds
Permanent teeth start coming in between the ages of 5 and 6. To protect the permanent molars in the back of the mouth, we recommend dental sealants. Your child may want to brush their teeth on their own, but it’s important to continue to brush after them once a day to ensure proper cleaning. Children this age may also become more active in sports, which can lead to dental injuries. Mouth guards should be worn to protect teeth during sporting activities. Consider getting a custom mouth guard made.
11 Years & Older
Most kids lose all of their baby teeth and have all of their permanent teeth around the ages of 11 to 12. Adolescence is often a time of increasing independence, which can lead to more cavities due to a lack of interest in oral hygiene and poor diet choices such as soda, junk food, and candy. During this time, we will help your child take care of their teeth by teaching proper oral hygiene and making diet recommendations. We will also evaluate your child for any current or future orthodontic needs.
Oral Hygiene
We recommend brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Nighttime brushing is especially important because it removes food and drink consumed during the day and adds a protective layer of fluoride. Start cleaning your child’s mouth before they have teeth by wiping the gums with a soft washcloth or cotton swab. Once your child has teeth, even the first two, start brushing them with a “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste on a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush. Once your child’s teeth start touching, start flossing.
Diet
Never put your baby to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. Only put formula, breast milk, or water in infant bottles. Limit juice and sugary drinks to one 4-6 ounce glass per day. It’s best to give juice or sugary drinks in an open cup with meals. Remember to give juice only once, milk with meals, and water whenever. Limit sugary snacks to meal times and eat healthier snacks between meals (such as nuts, vegetables, cheese, hummus). Keep in mind that sports drinks like Gatorade contain a lot of sugar and acid and can cause cavities. Try to drink water instead.
Special Needs Patients
Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to provide dental care to individuals with special needs. To ensure the best treatment, it’s important to prepare and take preventive measures. When making an appointment, let the front office know that your child has special needs and any concerns you may have. This will allow the office to make necessary accommodations and properly prepare for your visit. It’s also important to inform the dentist about any medications or special diets your child is on, as these may affect their dental health.
