Oral care and oral hygiene should start before your child’s first tooth even pokes through their gums. Teeth are there even before you can see them, so maintaining a safe, healthy, and clean environment for them should start early. Beyond those early stages, there are some things you need to know about oral hygiene that will help your child thrive.
Your child’s teeth are just as vulnerable, if not more so, as your own.
They can get cavities, deal with complex dental procedures, and everything else most of us want to avoid about the dentist. That’s why it’s important to help your children follow a good oral health routine and get them started early in good habits to protect their teeth from damage and decay and set them up for a bright dental future.
Below is some information about oral hygiene for kids.
Start Young
The human mouth is rife with bacteria, even in babies who have no physical teeth to see yet. You should start by running a damp washcloth of your child’s gums before they start teething to help clean away bacteria. When teeth start showing up, use an infant toothbrush to keep them clean along with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. As soon as your baby has enough teeth, start flossing.
The First Dental Visit
Generally speaking, a baby should see a dentist by their first birthday in order to get an oral exam. At this point they may already have a fair number of teeth in their mouths. Not only do these visits help give you some clarity on the state of your child’s oral heath, but they can get your baby used to seeing the dentist to help alleviate the dreaded fear of the dentist later in life.
Cavity Prevention
Even infants with brand new teeth are at risk for tooth decay if their teeth are not properly taken care of. Food left behind festers bacteria just like in adult teeth and thus, cavities can form in baby mouths just as easily. When your child is old enough, teach them to brush at least twice a day with good toothpaste. Get them extra fluoride through tap water to help build up strong enamel. Teeth them to avoid sugary foods, juices, and candy whenever possible as well as liquid medicines with sweetener in them.
Related Questions
Is it bad for my child’s health to send them to bed with a bottle?
It’s tempting but giving them a bottle and then letting them sleep without brushing properly can lead to cavities in the long run. It also puts their teeth at risk of decay and improper placement. Try not to get into the habit, the sugars in liquids such as milk, and juice settle around the teeth which makes for bacteria causing plaque to take over.
Can children have oral health issues worse than cavities?
Yes. Like any other teeth, your child’s teeth are prone to damage and decay. Without proper oral health practices, children could require surgery to remove rotted teeth, crowns, fillings, and more. This is easily avoided and deterred with a healthy diet promoting strong teeth and simple daily dental care practices. Keep in mind that although candy treats are fun and taste good, the sugar wreaks havoc on teeth of all ages, so make sure to brush and keep treats to a limit!
Talk to your child’s dentist today about the best way to ensure their teeth are happy and healthy.
Implementing a healthy dental routine in children can lead to a healthy mouth for life. Our dental office in Commerce Twp. is committed to providing dental care that meets the needs of the entire family, beginning with children. If you are looking for a Family Dentist, Sedki Dentistry is the place.
Dr. Sedki uses the latest techniques and procedures in general and cosmetic dentistry including restorative treatments such as dental implants, gum rejuvenation, children’s dentistry and more. Call Sedki Dentistry today for a Free dental consult and see why our dental clinic is a top choice for you and your family!