As a parent it is vital to take care of your child’s teeth. In the following we discuss seven important things you need to know about caring for your little one’s oral health.
When To Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
It is advised that you make your child’s first dental appointment at 12 months, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. Getting your child used to visiting a dentist early on, is important for them to grow accustomed to the experience and it will prevent dental issues as your child grows.
What Causes Tooth Decay In Children
The combination of bacteria, food, acid, and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities.
Thumb Sucking May Affect Tooth Alignment
Thumb or dummy sucking is a completely natural reflex. Many infants and young children suck on a variety of objects for a sense of security or to fall asleep. However, the frequency, duration, and intensity of sucking can determine whether dental problems may occur. Usually, these habits stop between the ages of two and four but prolonged sucking may impact oral development.
How To Brush Their Teeth
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first teeth appear. You will have to do it for them and start with a baby toothbrush and water. If by the age of two your child knows the difference between spitting and swallowing, you can start brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
As your child starts getting more independent you will want to have already instilled an effective tooth brushing routine, follow these steps to make it easier:
- Hold the toothbrush against the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
- Move the toothbrush gently back and forth in small strokes.
- Brush the outer, chewing and inner surface of the tooth.
- Brush each individual tooth during every brushing session.
- When you finish brushing their teeth, brush the tongue from back to front.
Try make this experience as fun as possible, get a toothbrush in a bright colour or with their favourite cartoon character on it.
Kids Can Floss Too
Once your child’s teeth begin to touch one another, plaque and other bacteria may be hard to remove with just brushing. To prevent cavities between the teeth, you should teach your child to floss or use interdental cleaning aids daily.
Flossing can be tricky for a child and they may need your assistance for some time. However, the more you practice this, the easier it will be and will become a part of your child’s routine.
Know When Your Child Can Brush Their Own Teeth
Your child can start to learn how to brush their own teeth at about 3 years of age. By 8 years of age, your child will probably no longer need your help. It is important that your child make brushing a habit, as this limits tooth decay and helps prevent cavities.
Set a good example. Children imitate their parents. If your child sees that you don’t brush, don’t seem to enjoy brushing, or do it too quickly, he or she might do the same.
Baby Teeth Fall Out Naturally
A child’s baby teeth usually start to loosen and fall out to make room for permanent teeth at around age 6. However, sometimes this can be delayed by as much as a year.
Baby teeth usually stay in place until they are pushed out by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely as a result of tooth decay or an accident, a permanent tooth might move into the empty space. This can crowd permanent teeth and cause them to come in crooked.
Final Words
As a parent it is very important to make sure you take care of your child’s oral health. Not only do you want your child to have the confidence to smile and be happy but keeping their teeth healthy and cavity free plays a pivotal functional purpose. Children eat better and talk better with a set of healthy, well-kept teeth.
At Ringmer Dental we believe that you should know about the best practices for your child’s oral health and want to make sure they learn to love their smile. Contact us today on 01622 682029 and book your child’s first dental appointment. Start practicing these tips and teach your child excellent oral hygiene habits.