Healthy teeth are crucial for your child’s overall health. They assist your child to eat and communicate. Good oral hygiene helps set healthy dental habits when your child grows. Uncareful oral hygiene could cause infection, disease, or even other issues with teeth.
Make dental hygiene enjoyable by following these suggestions:
- Let your children choose the toothbrushes they want to use. They can choose one with a particular color or design.
- Let children help choose toothpaste. They can choose their preferred flavor.
- Take a look at books or videos which discuss dental hygiene.
- Set a timer so that you can make sure that children brush their teeth twice in a row for two minutes. You can also play their favorite song to keep track of the time.
- Give children a reward for excellent oral hygiene. Don’t offer them sweets or food. Instead, give them something simple or healthy instead, such as apple slices or a gold star.
- Create a fun activity to do following your child’s visit to the dentist.
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Path to improved health of your child’s teeth
The role of fluoride
Fluoride is crucial for your child’s dental health. It has been proven to decrease cavities in babies’ (primary) teeth as well as adults’ (permanent) dental teeth. It also makes teeth stronger by hardening the enamel of teeth. Most children get fluoride in drinking water. Cities are often required to include fluoride in tap water. Water filters, like Brita, don’t eliminate fluoride and are safe to use. Do not make use of “reverse Osmosis” water purification systems.
If your water doesn’t include fluoride then your child might require an orally fluoride-containing supplement. Discuss with your doctor to determine whether your child requires this. If your child is beginning to go to the dentist regularly, they’ll receive a fluoride varnish or a cleaning of their teeth.
Too much fluoride could cause tooth stains and can be dangerous to your child’s overall health. Make sure your child doesn’t ingest the fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash. Follow the directions regarding fluoride-based supplements.
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Brushing and flossing
Dental hygiene should start at the time your child becomes an infant. Use a baby-sized soft toothbrush when they are around 1 – 2. It is recommended to clean your child’s tooth with water at least two times a day. Additionally, you can apply one small amount of toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride. This kind of toothpaste can be safe for children to take in. When you are able to swallow into the tube, switch to a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Use only a small amount. Train your child to spread it across their gums, teeth, and tongue. Ask your dentist or doctor to guide you on how to clean your child’s teeth.
Cavities
Cavities are holes formed within your teeth. They can develop when bacteria (germs) are accumulating inside your mouth. Sugars in foods and drinks transform into acid, which could eat away at your teeth. Cavities are common among children because their teeth are more difficult to clean. Every member of your family must take care of their teeth. Dental cavities are a risk for people who transmit the bacteria that cause cavities to babies who are not born, infants, and even children.
Your child could be at risk of getting cavities If they:
- Have brown or white regions on their teeth.
- Are currently experiencing special health demands.
- Don’t go to the dentist every day.
- Born early (premature) or have an unbalanced birth weight.
Diet
Children who consume lots of sweet drinks and foods are also at a high chance of developing cavities. It is essential to choose healthy foods. Beware of over-sugar. Make sure your child doesn’t consume a large amount of fruit juice, soda, or drinks that are sweetened. Avoid sweet drinks and snacks between meals. If your child is consuming sugar, ensure that they clean their teeth following the meal.
Chewing gums are safe for kids of older ages. Chewing gum has many advantages, including:
- The jaw is strengthened.
- Producing saliva.
- Cleaning up food scraps.
- Balancing acid can lead to tooth decay.
- Freshening breath.
However, gum that is laced with sugar may cause cavities. Be careful about how much sugar-based gum your child chews, or just give them gum without sugar.
Mouth safety
Safety is a major aspect of dental hygiene. If your child participates in sports, they must wear a mouthguard. It is a soft plastic retainer that protects the teeth, and occasionally the lips. It can help protect your child’s mouth from injury. Consult your dentist about a mouth guard that is custom-made for your child.
From baby teeth to adult teeth
Baby teeth generally begin to appear between the ages of 4 and 7 months. The first teeth to be born are typically the two front teeth that are the bottom. Most children have 20 teeth at approximately 3 years of age.
Children may lose their infant teeth as young as six years old and can lose them as young as twelve years. Through this process, your child will have teeth that are mixed as the baby teeth fall out while adult teeth breakthrough. In this phase, your dentist might discuss with your child and you potential issues with teeth. There are children who require orthodontic treatment like braces. The full adult set includes 32 teeth. It includes wisdom teeth that most people will not see until the end of their teens or in their early adulthood.
Things to consider
It’s not unusual for babies to use their thumbs to suckle their fingers or use a baby pacifier. The majority of children stop the habit by themselves when they reach the age of four. The habit can lead to problems with the alignment of teeth. Discuss with your dentist if you feel your child is a sucker after the age of four. There is a way to monitor for any issues when your child’s teeth grow. In the majority of children, there’s no reason to be concerned about the habit of sucking until the age of 6 when the permanent teeth start coming in.
