Health Needs

Important Information for Your Child’s Oral Health Needs

Most parents in Scottsdale, Arizona want the best for their children, including the best healthcare. While health is a major concern for everyone, some parents forget that dental hygiene is an important part of overall health. If parents are not careful, a child might become a stranger to oral hygiene, resulting in early tooth decay.

If you’re going to be a parent soon, you may have considered getting health insurance plans for your child. However, you should also see if these plans include a basic dental plan. A dental provision in a health insurance plan will help you find a qualified pediatric dentist for your child.

If you’ve sorted these matters out but still have some questions, it might be time to read more resources on dental health. The local library usually has books on dental care, so you might want to check those out. In case you need more information, here are some helpful answers to common questions about pediatric dentistry.

When should my child have his or her first dental checkup?

Many Scottsdale dentists agree that the child should get his or her first dental checkup when the first tooth appears. This may vary for many children, as some have their first tooth as early as 6 months while some have it much later. Most dentists advise parents to wipe off the insides of the child’s mouth with a damp cloth even before the child gets his or her first tooth. This makes the child familiar with oral hygiene.

Does my child need to floss?

A pediatric Scottsdale dentist usually recommends parents to start flossing the child’s teeth as soon as two teeth are present in the child’s mouth. This prevents the formation of cavities between teeth. At around five or six years of age, a child is usually capable of flossing on his or her own. To make flossing easier for your child, you may want to get individual flossers or floss picks.

Does my child need to use mouthwash?

Mouthwash can be dangerous if swallowed, especially for children. Dentists Scottsdale, AZ recommend parents to supervise mouthwash use if the child is less than 12 years old.  You should also make sure that the mouthwash has no alcohol content, to reduce any stinging or burning sensation it may cause.

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