Dental Care For The Kids


Just like adults, the oral hygiene of children is important. Caring for the teeth and gums should begin during infancy.

Dental Trivia: Did you know that teeth start to develop during the second trimester of pregnancy? And did you also know that a newborn has 20 fully developed teeth under the gums?

Needless to say, dental care should commence even before teething starts.

Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers

A baby’s mouth is not an exception for oral bacteria. It helps to wipe their gums with a clean, soft and damp washcloth after having a bottle of milk.

Remember not to prolong the feeding time as this may invite bacterial “invasion” in your child’s mouth. It also helps not to leave the milk bottle when your baby is sleeping. A good practice is to let your baby drink some water every after feeding.

When a tooth starts to erupt, brush it two times daily. Make sure to use a soft silicone brush and an infant toothpaste with fluoride. Keep the amount to the size of a grain of rice and rinse their mouth with a damp cloth.

As your child reaches 2, teach him or her to spit while brushing coupled with rinsing the mouth with clean water. As soon as the other teeth erupt, help your child gently floss in between teeth.

As early as their toddler years, help your children understand and value the importance of oral hygiene.

Dental Care for Children and Teens

Healthy teeth contribute to the overall well-being of children. Teach them to brush their teeth at least twice daily or every after meals. Good oral habits can grow with them if you start them young.

At age 3, most of their primary or milk teeth would have erupted. It may be best to increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea. Let them brush their teeth for about two minutes. Make sure they use fluoride toothpaste and rinse off with clean water. Always supervise them so they will not swallow either the toothpaste or the water.

At age 6, their primary teeth will begin to fall off to give way to their permanent teeth. As the permanent teeth are replacing your child’s milk teeth, remind them to brush gently to help their teeth grow upright and properly. It also helps to schedule them for dental visits every 6 months.

When should you schedule your child’s first dental visit?

The best time for your child’s first dental visit should be before his or her first birthday or as soon as you notice the first sign of tooth eruption. By doing so, not only will you get tips and tricks to your child’s better dental healthcare but you can also get him or her comfortable with dental visits.

Pediatric Dental Routine

Brushing and Flossing every after meals are not enough to maintain oral health for children. It helps to ensure that they get professional oral care assistance from their trusted pediatric dentist.

Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Just like adults, children should visit the dentist at least 2 times a year. Dentists can check on the condition of their teeth and have them cleaned regularly. You may also seek the advice of the dentist for fluoride treatment to help shield your child’s teeth enamel.

Always make your child’s dental visit a pleasing experience. Remember not to use dental visits to scare children. You should not also use it to convince your child to brush their teeth.

Corrective Treatment for Kids

During your child’s regular dental visits, the dentist will check the condition of his or her teeth. If the dentist sees that the alignment of your child’s teeth needs corrective treatment, this will be explained to you and your child thoroughly.

Whether your child needs Invisalign or teeth braces, your child’s dentist will help you understand why it is so. Other dental issues may also be addressed, including teeth grinding and sleep apnea.

Dental Emergencies

If your child suffers from a toothache, do not try to give a diagnosis and treatment. The best thing to do is to bring him or her to the dentist immediately.

In case any of the following happens, it is also highly recommended to see the dentist right away:

       Swollen gums;

       Chipped, cracked or broken tooth;

       Pus coming out of the gums;

       Loose tooth;

       Bad taste coming from the teeth;

       Abscess coupled with severe pain;

       Exposed tooth roots; and

       When the tooth filling comes off.


How can you maintain your child’s oral health?

Here are some tips that you can do to help maintain the optimum oral health of your child:

  1. Always prepare a healthy and balanced meal for your child;
  2. Remind him o her to drink water every after meals;
  3. Cut down on your child’s sugar consumption;
  4. Let him or her drink a glass of warm milk every day;
  5. Supervise his or her dental habits at home;
  6. Schedule your child’s regular dental visits and accompany him or her always;
  7. Be attentive to your child’s oral health needs;
  8. Change his or her toothbrush every three months;
  9. Help your child understand the importance of oral hygiene; and
  10. Never use the dentist to scare him or her.

 

Good dental health is important whether for kids or adults. It is highly recommended to start a proper oral hygiene routine for children as early as their infancy. Remember, healthy teeth mean happy smiles.

Contact Smile Ville today and learn how children can smile brighter and healthier!

 

 

 

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