Learn More About Your Child’s Dental Needs
Starting your child with good dental habits is setting them up for a lifetime
of healthy teeth. As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, parents
should already take steps in preventing cavities and promoting good oral
health. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers are more common than you think.
It usually affects the upper front teeth, but may also appear in other
teeth. In some cases, infants and toddlers suffer from decay that is so
severe that their teeth have to be removed.
As new parents, dealing with your child’s dental needs can be an
overwhelming task. Understandably, you may have several questions regarding
oral health for kids. Even though dental hygiene is already part your
daily routine, a child’s oral health has its own unique set of guidelines.
To help you ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth for your child, we’ve
provided answers to some frequently asked questions about children’s
oral health.
At What Age Should A Child Start Brushing Their Teeth?
From the time your child is born, there are several things that you can
do for good oral health. Gently clean your baby’s mouth and gums,
especially after feeding, with a soft, clean washcloth or gauze pad. As
soon as teeth appear usually around the age of six months, you may continue
cleaning your child’s teeth this way or use a small, soft toothbrush.
You may also start flossing your child’s teeth when their teeth
are already side by side. If you’re not confident in making this
decision, you may ask for your pediatrician’s recommendation.
What Type of Toothbrush & Toothpaste Should A Child Use?
Find a toothbrush with soft bristles and is small enough to fit your child’s
mouth. You may also take a closer look at the labels of the toothbrush
to see if it is designed for your child’s age group. For your child’s
toothpaste, make sure to choose one with fluoride. If your child is under
three years old, use only a small amount of toothpaste the size of a grain
of rice. But if your child is already three years old and up, you may
increase the amount to pea-sized.
When Should A Child Start Seeing a Dentist?
Children usually start their regular dentist visits at the age of two to
three when most of their baby teeth are already complete. When your child
is under the age of two, your pediatrician should be the one to examine
your child’s teeth. If your pediatrician deems it necessary for
your child to see a dentist earlier, he/she may recommend that you go
to a pediatric dentist.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay?
To avoid tooth decay, it is important that you provide healthy foods for
your child and limit their intake of sweet snacks and drinks. If you must
satisfy your kid’s sweet cravings, make sure that you avoid sugary
foods that tend to stick to the spaces between your child’s teeth
such as caramel, gum, or other chewy snacks.
Good oral health is important to your child’s overall wellbeing.
It can keep them comfortable and help them form good oral habits that
will be beneficial for them today and in the future.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.