A good way to monitor your child’s growth and development is through their teeth and mouths. How and when teeth grow in can be a good indicator of how healthily and regularly your little one is growing up. As you follow this checklist below, consider the oral hygiene tips from Coral Gables family dental to implement and keep your kids’ mouths sparkling clean.
Checklist for Monitoring your Child’s Dental Health
- 12 to 24 months old
By 24 months, children should have at least 12 teeth. Most children have 12-16 teeth by 18 months. Since growth cycles can vary, monitoring teeth growth around 18 months and allow the time between 18 and 24 months for more to grow in.
- 16 to 36 months old
By 25-36 months, children have at least 16 teeth. Most children have 18-20 teeth by 36 months.
Daily Cleaning
At least twice a day, an adult should clean the child’s mouth; at least one of those times before bed. To clean, use water and a soft bristle toothbrush. Until a child can spit out on his or her own, it’s best to avoid toothpaste.
Sparkling White Teeth
Check beneath the top lip once a month to ensure that your child’s teeth are white and shiny. Blemishes, spots, and chips are warrant reasons for a trip to the dentist.
Dentist before One Year
Before or after the first birthday, you child should go in to see a dentist for a checkup.
Open Cups
By 18 months, ween your child off the sippy cups and bottles.
No Sleeping with a Bottle
Try to discourage sleeping with a bottle; if it is necessary, fill it with water only- nothing sugary.
Snack on Schedule
Do not eat or snack more than 5-6 times throughout the day. Aim for set times throughout the day so that the mouth can get on a natural cleaning schedule, too.
Come into Gables Sedation Family Dentist Miami for more tips on maintaining proper dental hygiene and development throughout your child’s earliest years.
