admin - February 16, 2016
A child’s dental health is equally important as yours. Neglecting their oral hygiene can give rise to dreaded dental issues in the near future. So how to take proper care of your child’s oral hygiene? Read on to know more.
The very important step here is to start early! The baby teeth of your child are at risk as soon as they appear. Do not take them for granted. Tooth decay in infants is referred as baby bottle tooth decay. It commonly occurs in front teeth but other teeth can also be affected. At times the tooth decay in infants is so severe that their tooth needs to be removed.
Before you panic, the good news is that tooth decay can be prevented. You just need to clean your child’s mouth properly. How should it be done?
Cleaning your child’s teeth
You need to start cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after the birth. You should wipe the gums with a clean, moist washcloth. As soon as the teeth appear, start cleaning them too.
When your child turns three years old, start brushing his teeth by using fluoride toothpaste in a very small amount. Brush twice a day, once in the morning and other before going to bed. If your child is brushing on his own then supervise to know if it’s done properly.
For children in the age group of 3-6 years, start using a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Remind them to not swallow the paste.
Unless you are comfortable that you kid can brush on his own, continue brushing his teeth with a toothbrush recommended for kids.
When should your child visit a dentist?
Wondering when to take your child to a dentist? The answer is as soon as the first tooth appears. It is recommended to have the first dental visit within 6 months of the birth. Do not wait till the time they start their school, make your child comfortable with good habits for a good mouth.
The first visit is generally for dentist to examine your child’s mouth and to check the growth and development of teeth. To make this visit positive you can:
- Try getting a morning appointment when your child is fresh and co-operative.
- Start on a positive note because children quickly grasp your emotions.
- Never make dental visit sound like a threat and talk to your child in a friendly way.
During the dental visit you can expect the dentist to:
- Examine oral injuries, cavities and other dental problems
- Inform you if the child has a risk of tooth decay
- Discuss teething, thumb sucking habits or pacifiers
- Schedule the next check up if needed
Do not consider visiting a dentist as such a big deal. Oral health is as important as your overall health. If your kids develop cavities at an early stage, it is going to be a grave concern when he grows. So instead of regretting later on, start early.
