Children’s Dental Health – Advice for Parents
Children’s dental health is a contribution to their general well-being. You can help them develop strong teeth that will last a lifetime by promoting regular oral hygiene practices, controlling diet and making sure they attend dental appointments frequently.
Even before the first tooth appears, baby dental hygiene begins by wiping the gums with a clean cloth after every feeding or brushing with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.
Brush your teeth every day
Brushing teeth daily is important for oral health and parents can teach this important habit to their children by setting good examples. A child who sees his/her parents brushing will most likely start doing it every day.
Rinsing after meals and chewing sugar-free gum after snacks help increase the production of saliva which washes away food particles and bacteria that cause cavities. The act of chewing also strengthens your teeth through jaw movement.
As soon as the child’s first tooth comes out or by their first birthday, they should see a dentist to prevent problems such as tooth decay, infection or injury on mouth parts. Early visits prevent future complications in dental health that may lead to decayed teeth or damaged other areas in the mouth structure.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks like juices, soda pop, candy bars, gummy bears and whole milk. Choose nutritious foods such as fruits vegetables whole grains which have low fat content but provide necessary vitamins mineral required for overall wellness too; kids should also go for fluoride treatments at recommended intervals as advised by their dentists so as to keep good oral hygiene intact always.
Floss everyday
Failure of flossing regularly by your child can cause plaque buildup between their teeth leading to gum irritation or erosion of enamel around these areas hence gingivitis/periodontitis eventually sets in if left untreated over time.
It takes only few minutes each day but it’s crucial part that mustn’t be overlooked when looking at kid’s oral care needs! Show them how or do it together with them until they get used to doing it on their own; flossers picks can be used or plastic sewing needle-shaped flosser for kids who struggle reaching between their teeth using other methods.
Children get better understanding why should they floss every day through reading books such as “Flossing Teeth” by Mari Schuh or “Rotten Tooth Ruth” written Ilana K. Levinsky before discussing more about healthier gums and teeth – also during visits.
Regular checkups appointments
Regular visits to the dentist will help in monitoring growth of teeth among children. Early identification by a dentist of any potential problem like tooth decay or gum disease is vital because immediate action can be taken before they worsen into serious ailments.
These visits enable young ones to familiarize themselves with dental offices thus creating positive memories, this makes them gain confidence towards maintaining oral hygiene hence reducing chances of having fear associated with seeing dentists when older.
Pediatric dentists give useful advice on healthy eating habits and correct methods for brushing and flossing among children; they may also recommend orthodontics where there are crooked teeth or jaw issues need oral surgery besides providing tips about thumb sucking, pacifier use/bottle feeding which might affect kids’ mouths negatively.
Authorizing children when they are of school age can help in detecting dental problems early and promoting favourable attitudes towards dental care. These practitioners deal with dental issues related to kids; for complex situations requiring additional assistance like orthodontist correction or oral surgeon adjustments.
Plan the first appointment when their primary tooth emerges or by their first birthday. This enables the dentist to see what their new teeth look like and recommend on how to clean them properly; at this visit also fluoride will be given which is known to protect both baby and permanent teeth from decay.
It is highly recommended that parents bring their child(ren) along with them during the appointment and they should carry identification as well as a signed Temporary Delegation of Parental Guardianship form. In order to ready your kids for the first dentist trip and make it a positive experience, rehearse some scenarios so that they are comfortable before they go.
