As parents, we want the best for our children. But when it comes to dental hygiene, our children’s dental habits are often overlooked until it’s too late. It can be overwhelming to find the right information. Here’s a guide for parents about dental care for children.
As an infant-
Good dental care begins before a baby's first tooth appears. Even before your baby starts teething, run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria.
When their first teeth appear to start brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Use an infant toothbrush and a grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure they spit it out.
Start dental visits early. Plan your infant’s first dental visit before the first birthday or six months after the first tooth erupts.
Avoid 'Baby Bottle Decay'- Don't put your infant to sleep with a bottle of juice, formula, or milk. Sugary liquids cling to their teeth, feeding bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
As a toddler-
Once your child reaches two years of age, encourage them to brush their own teeth. Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and monitor their brushing to ensure they do not swallow the toothpaste.
Encourage flossing from a young age and teach them the right way to do it. For kids using braces, parents can invest powered toothbrushes.
As their teeth come in, keep an eye for some bite alignment issues, crowding issues, underbite, protruding teeth or overbite. Make sure to schedule dental visits every six months.
Make it a habit-
Poor oral habits as a child invariably lead to adult teeth decay, cavities and reducing space for adult teeth to come in. Visit your dentist to get pit fissure sealants done to prevent cavities.
Involve them in choosing their toothbrushes and toothpaste (Make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride). So, make sure to inculcate the habit of proper dental hygiene from an early age.
Instead of just supervising their brushing, join them. Make it a fun bonding activity they’ll look forward to. Insists on regular dental visits and consult your orthodontists in case of any issues. Keep an eye on their diet. Sugary candy, juices and starch-filled snacks can have an adverse effect on their growing teeth.
For best care and treatments, schedule an appointment with Veeyes Dental Care.
Call us at: 0422 438 3000
This blog is not a substitute for professional advice or diagnosis, it is only to promote general knowledge about dental health topics. Visit your dentist or a qualified healthcare provider for questions or doubts regarding any medical condition or treatment.