Baby teeth set the foundation for a child’s permanent teeth. There are 20 primary teeth below a baby’s gums, and sometimes they can begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy.
As the baby grows older, the primary teeth give way to about 32 permanent teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, the child will have trouble chewing and articulating his words clearly. Hence, this is the reason why caring for children’s teeth is essential and that these first set of teeth must be kept decay-free.
The proper way of caring for children’s teeth would include caring for baby’s gums, using the right dental toothpaste, choosing the right type toothbrush as well as the knowledge on what to do to avoid cavity development.
At around age one or even before, teeth will gradually pop out. The infant needs the required infant toothbrush that is made up of soft bristles, one with a small head and large handle. The parent could start with a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste.
When the child reaches two years old, the parent can now introduce the fluoride toothpaste. At this stage, the baby still needs to be assisted in having his teeth brushed gently, front and back. Continue to brush your child’s teeth until such time, and the child becomes old enough to hold his or her own toothbrush, which usually happens at the age of 6.
Preventing Cavity Development
On preventing cavities, the parent should be alert for any signs of baby tooth decay. Avoid giving your child with fruit juices, sodas and other sweet or sugary drinks replace these with milk or water. The truth is bacteria feeds on sugar derived from sweet drinks which subsequently produce acid that attacks baby teeth and cause tooth decay in the long run.
All infant bottle must contain only water or milk to drink. Likewise, avoid putting anything sugary or honey on your baby’s dummy. If unchecked, tooth decay will become evident with brown or white spots or pits on the teeth.
Even if there is no problem, your child still has to visit a dentist even at the age of one year old. Your family dentist can easily spot any dental issues. He can quickly advise on proper teeth care particularly on teething, fluoride and thumb-sucking.
To keep teeth and gums healthy of children, it is best to consult a dentist regularly. They are there to check any potential dental problems in kids’ teeth before they occur and to ensure that teeth are kept clean and healthy always. They are also there to follow up maintenance routines by requiring children for routine visits with their parents or guardians…
Children must not experience any trauma on their first visit to a dentist. It is also important that the child feels confidence and comfort with the dentist. More importantly, the dentist must know how to explain clearly, the problem with your child’s teeth. He must also be able to explain clearly the dental procedures he has to undertake in fixing the child’s dental problem. Otherwise, your child might develop and carry that trauma and fear until they become an adult.
Formation of good dental hygiene habits should be developed in children at an early stage or as soon as the baby teeth begin to appear.
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