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:
- Always
prepare a healthy and balanced meal for your child;
- Remind him o
her to drink water every after meals;
- Cut down on
your child’s sugar consumption;
- Let him or
her drink a glass of warm milk every day;
- Supervise
his or her dental habits at home;
- Schedule your
child’s regular dental visits and accompany him or her always;
- Be attentive
to your child’s oral health needs;
- Change his
or her toothbrush every three months;
- Help your
child understand the importance of oral hygiene; and
- 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!
