If your young one’s teeth haven’t started coming in yet, clean their gums with a moist washcloth after eating and before sleep. When their first tooth appears, continue cleaning with water, but that first tooth is the sign that it’s time to start bringing your child to a dentist that specializes in pediatric dentistry. By their 1st birthday you should show off your brushing and flossing for your child. At age 2, it’s usually time to start brushing with a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. It’s also time to start teaching your little one to start brushing their own teeth, with your close supervision. Stress the importance of spitting out the toothpaste after brushing, but not rinsing to preserve the effect of the fluoride. Begin thorough, proper brushing from the start to ensure the right habits form.
It’s very important to teach children good dental hygiene. Their overall health, not just the health of their baby teeth, is at stake. Children’s teeth require the same care as Mom and Dad. Good nutrition, daily flossing, twice daily brushing, and limiting the consumption of sweeteners are all pivotal to preserving a healthy smile. Avoiding snacks and drinks high in sugar and drinking plenty of water are policies that are as important for your kids as they are for you. Fluoride is particularly important for children. Fluoride is typically added to the water supply, but if you live in an area where it is not, or it’s not enough, your child may require further supplementation. Your dentist will likely recommend a fluoride supplement to keep your child’s teeth strong to defend against abrasive plaque. Baby teeth are important placeholders for permanent teeth so it’s important to take good care of them.
Teaching them good dental hygiene is critical, but it isn’t enough. Bringing them to a dentist every six months for cleaning and examination is essential. It’s the only way to make sure that their oral health is being protected. A dentist’s inspection can alert to any decay or other conditions that could cause complications. They’ll also be able to tell you if your child’s oral hygiene techniques need amending. Your dentist will use imaging techniques to inspect what’s happening beneath the surface. X-Rays and digital imaging will inform your dentist of impacted teeth, abscesses, or decay below the gum line. Visiting a dentist regularly is the best way to safeguard your child’s smile.
Above a consistent at-home routine, twice yearly visits to the dentist are critical to their dental development. These visits work in tandem with good dental hygiene at home to protect your child’s mouth and their overall health.