There is a common misconception that baby teeth do not need to be taken care of because they will be replaced with adult teeth over time. However, adult teeth base their foundations from these baby teeth, along with all the infection and disease that the baby teeth may have acquired over time. In addition, an infected cavity in the child’s teeth can cause both you and your child lots of stress. Furthermore, caring for your child’s teeth, baby teeth or adult teeth, will teach your child the importance of oral hygiene earlier which will become significant afterward. Therefore, you must take care of your child’s teeth, the main issue is how to do that. Here are some tips that will help you.
Regular Cleaning
Begin regularly cleaning your child’s teeth at an early age. Instead of waiting for a full set of baby teeth to grow in, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that you start cleaning your child’s oral cavity before the first tooth erupts. Begin by wiping the gums using a damp piece of clean cloth and once the first tooth erupts, gently rub the gums and all surfaces of the tooth thoroughly. At later ages, you may begin using a gentle baby toothbrush. Following these steps will avoid the build-up of harmful bacteria from damaging your child’s oral health.
Be Gentle
Babies and children are fragile and need a soft, gentle touch. When cleaning your child’s oral cavity, be fully involved in the process and display affection for your child. Harsh wiping and brushing will cause pain and damage to your child’s tender gums and make the child dislike oral hygiene practises.
Make it Fun
To promote oral hygiene, make cleaning the teeth of your child a fun routine. Children love playful interactions, therefore wiping or brushing should always be done in a manner that makes it an enjoyable, playful process. Teething babies may bite at your fingers, but it is important to handle it with care. If the child tries to grip the brush, allow them to and encourage them to try brushing independently as it may be a good idea for the child to clean their own teeth. Go along and allow the child to gain a sense of importance in oral hygiene.
Develop Oral Hygiene Habits
Children develop habits at a young age and carry them throughout their childhood and adulthood. It is important to encourage them to form essential habits in regularly taking care of their teeth. Teaching your child the proper cleaning procedures at a young age will embolden them to practice these routines in the future independently.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that is applied in small doses to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. It is proven to strengthen the structure of the tooth for small children under the age of seven and allow them to be more resistant to acids and bacteria. If your tap water is not fluoridated, purchasing toothpaste that contains fluoride is recommended for the health of you and your child’s teeth.
Avoid Sleeping with a Baby Bottle
If your baby/child sleeps with their baby bottle in their mouth, it is best if they lose the habit. Sleeping with a bottle can misalign erupted teeth and potentially damage the child’s bite. Avoid allowing your child to develop or continue this habit.
Flossing – When and How
As soon as your child’s oral cavity acquires a pair of teeth side by side, it is recommended to begin flossing. Floss your child’s teeth once a day and remember to be gentle. Harsh flossing can bruise the child’s tender gums and cause pain. Similar to brushing and wiping, make the process playful so the child enjoys it and develops the habit. By the age of 10, encourage the child to floss independently and between all teeth.
Eating Preferences
The foods you choose for your child and how frequently they consume them can affect the general health of their teeth. For example, too much sugar content can cause tooth decay. Also, avoiding junk food can help the health of the child’s teeth drastically. Other than controlling what types of foods to avoid, another important factor is how much your child consumes. Consistently eating, such as in between-meal-snacks, defeats the purpose of regularly brushing and flossing.
Regular Visits
Regularly visiting the dentist is crucial to keeping your child’s teeth in good health. The very first dental visit, according to The Canadian Dental Association the check-up for infants, by a dentist, should be within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. The goal of this is for the dentist to check the child’s teeth before any problems occur. Meeting the dentist can be frightening for some young children. Frequent visits to the dental office will help your child face their fears and become more comfortable when seated in the chair for their regular check-up.
Davis Dental Care Newmarket
Local Phone: 905.235.8200
Address: 105 Davis DR, Newmarket, ON, L3Y2M9
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