It is important to establish good dental habits early in life so that is can promote god oral health for your entire life. There is more to children’s dentistry than just brushing or flossing. In this article, we will look at how parents and caregivers can ensure optimal oral health of children.
You have to start early
When it comes to children’s dental care and this will be before their first tooth emerges. The baby’s gums should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth so that milk residue and bacteria can be removed. You can do this after feeding. The first tooth will appear around the six month mark and this is when you can start brushing. A soft bristled toothbrush that is designed for infants can be used at this stage. You can also use a very tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. You can take your child to the Redland Bay dental once the first tooth emerges so that they can educate you on how to maintain proper oral health of your child. Children should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You have to encourage them to brush teeth for at least two minutes each time so that all surfaces of the teeth are covered. You will need to supervise the brushing until they are six or seven in age so that you can be sure they are brushing properly and not just swallowing the toothpaste. You can also brush with them and show how proper brushing is done. This will include brushing in circular motions and gently brushing along their gumline.
Flossing is another practice to add to their daily oral care routine.
You can start flossing your child’s teeth once they have two teeth that are touching. There are disposable flossers or floss picks that are designed for children so that flossing can be made easier. This will remove food particles and plaque from along the gumline and between teeth. This can help prevent cavities and gum disease. It is important to maintain a healthy diet so that it contributes to positive oral health. This means limiting sugary snacks and beverages that can lead to tooth decay. Some of the food items you can introduce to children are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairyproducts and lean proteins. Water and milk can be the primary beverages they consume. Make sure to avoid sugary drinks like fruit juice and soda as much as possible.
Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring the oral health of children.
You can schedule the first visit at one year of age or after six months of the first tooth erupting. The dentist will check teeth and gums along with providing professional cleanings. They will also provide you guidance on proper oral hygiene and preventative care. Dental sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth so that cavities can be prevented. This is because there are deep grooves in the back teeth which can lead to food particles and bacteria to accumulate. They will be more susceptible to decay.