Paying attention to your child’s oral health can be a daunting task. However, you must strive to keep track of your child’s oral hygiene. Good children’s dental care should be practiced from an early age so the mouth can be kept clean to prevent dental diseases, cavities and bad breath. Dental cavities often occur in children and can interfere with a baby tooth’s structure. The following are dental problems that can be minimised by observing proper oral hygiene:
- Gum disease – This is an infection characterised by swelling of gums around a tooth. When unhealthy gums get exposed, they swell and result in a condition known as gingivitis.
- Tooth decay – This is characterised by small holes and cavities in a tooth. Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay. In most cases, tooth decay is caused by the intake of sugary drinks and foods.
- Plaque – This is caused by food becoming trapped in teeth. A whitish substance is formed after the food remains mix with saliva and bacteria. Brushing your child’s teeth after every meal will help to remove plaque.
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Tips for Children’s Dental Care
Proper nutrition can help a child develop strong and healthy teeth from a young age. For newborns ranging from one to three months, breast milk is the best source of nutrients. At this stage, a parent should clean the child’s mouth using a soft piece of cloth. Teething typically occurs between four to six months. During this time, a child will have increased sucking behaviour and may display signs of fussiness. A teething ring is recommended during this period so the baby can suck and bite on it to get some relief from the discomfort. When the child is two years old, they’re able to hold a toothbrush and brush their teeth. However, parental assistance is still needed until the child reaches eight years of age. As a parent, you need to make sure you clean your child’s mouth thoroughly at least once a day.
Even with these tips for maintaining children’s dental care, you’ll still need to take your child to a dentist twice a year. The dentist will clean plaque from your child’s teeth and recommend good teeth cleaning techniques and habits. Taking your child to a dentist at an early age can also minimise anxiety. Let the child know that they will not feel any pain, and that the visit is geared towards maintaining healthy, strong teeth.
In Summary
- Take your child to a dentist every six months. Regular visits are encouraged to catch any problems at an early stage. You will also have peace of mind as a parent knowing that your children’s dental care is taken care of.
Good children’s dental care should start early in life. A parent must introduce good oral hygiene habits even before the child starts teething. Seeing a dentist at this stage can be helpful for advice on different ways and tools that can be used to clean a baby’s mouth.