Dental Health For Young Children

Dental Health For Young Children

Establishing proper dental hygiene habits early in your child's life will help you avoid more serious tooth problems later on. Tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss can all be caused by poor oral hygiene. According to studies, dental decay is 5 times more common in young children than asthma, and gum disease can put you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.

It's critical for families to establish healthy oral practises early on in order to help avoid your child from having to undergo potentially unpleasant dental operations. Even if your baby's teeth are just temporary, it's never too early to begin teaching your children about the importance of excellent oral health and to establish a routine that will help them maintain basic dental hygiene throughout their lives. If your child's teeth aren't properly cared for, they may get damaged or fall out, which can impair how permanent teeth emerge as well as speech development and nutrition.

Here are some ways to start your child off with good dental care:

1. You can start avoiding tooth decay even before a baby's first tooth arrives. Wipe your baby's gums with a damp washcloth after he or she has been breastfed or bottle fed. You may prevent bacteria from building up in your baby's mouth by doing this on a frequent basis. Also, even if your child initially dislikes having their mouth cleaned, they will become accustomed to it and it will aid in the establishment of oral hygiene routines at an early age.
2. Around the age of six months, a baby's first tooth will show. Brush their tooth or teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the tooth breaks through the gums. To soften the bristles, use warm water or a small bit of cavity-preventive fluoride toothpaste. Brushes should be replaced every two to four months or whenever the bristles grow rough, as bacteria can accumulate on them.
3. Families should avoid putting a baby to sleep with feedings or giving them milk or juice soon before bedtime, according to research. Your children's teeth are more prone to develop cavities if they are exposed to sugar from milk or juice overnight. Keep milk and liquids for mealtimes only, and make sure they wash their teeth before going to bed.
4. Even if your child isn’t using toothpaste yet, they should still be getting exposed to fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. Most tap water will have fluoride added to it because of these benefits and you can consult with your doctor or dentist to see if your drinking water does. If not, they will be able to suggest a fluoride supplement that your child can take when old enough.

As your child grows older, continue to lead by example in showing them how to properly care for their teeth. It's also crucial to make excellent food choices for your youngster. When it comes to dental health, water and milk are the healthiest options, but we understand that this can be tough. Sugary beverages and snacks should be reserved for exceptional occasions. Choosing low-sugar foods and beverages can help prevent cavities and promote healthy eating habits.

When it comes to dental difficulties, it is critical for families to know what to look for. A child's teeth should be one colour if they are healthy. If they aren't, and you detect spots or stains on their teeth, take them to the dentist right away.

Even if your child has no dental troubles as their teeth begin to emerge, you should take them to the dentist by their first birthday to ensure that they do not develop dental problems. Continue to promote good dental health as your child grows older by discussing why brushing and flossing are so vital.