Our Experts are advanced specialists who share helpful information on the health of infants and children.

Tips for parents on baby’s oral health from Dr. Tigran Shahmanyan. 

How and When To Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth?

Dr. T. Shahmanyan: Cleaning a child’s teeth is vital for maintaining oral hygiene, and parents should introduce kids to a dentist at an early age. 

Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in. You can use a finger toothbrush designed for babies. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Toothpaste for Children?

Dr. Tigran Shahmanyan – I would not recommend using strongly flavored pastes for children because they give a false sense of cleanliness, especially mint paste. 

Although baby paste does not cause poisoning if swallowed, the amount of paste on the brush should be the size of a pea.

Is Flossing Necessary for Kids?

Dr. Tigran Shahmanyan: A toothbrush cannot sometimes reach between the teeth where food is stuck, and it can cause tooth decay. Thus, it is necessary to use floss for kids after their teeth have developed. 

When Should My Child Stop Using a Pacifier?

Dr. Tigran Shahmanyan: Prolonged pacifier use can lead to problems with teeth positions, gums, and open bites. Open bite is when kids’ upper and lower teeth do not overlap when they close their mouths. An open bite can cause problems, such as trouble swallowing, breathing disorders, and tongue thrust.  

Are Hard Foods Good for Jaw Development in Children?

Dr. Tigran Shahmanyan: Many mothers avoid giving hard food to their children. Eating difficult-to-chew foods at an early age strengthens the jaw muscles and promotes bone growth by helping to lay down the bone matrix, allowing the jaw to develop to its full potential.