Your little one is growing up quickly and sooner than you will know it, they will have a full set of pearly whites in their mouth. While their lovely smiles can make your heart melt, a lot of parents don't know how important baby teeth are and postpone the first dentist visit.
But, here's the thing: baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's oral health. Not only are they necessary for talking, biting, and chewing, but they also keep the space in the jaw for the adult teeth to emerge at around age 6.
With that in mind, here's how to properly care for your child's teeth from day one.
Tips for Caring for Your Child's Teeth
Here's how to maintain impeccable oral hygiene for your kids:
- Start early, even before the first tooth comes out. Wipe the gums of your newborn baby with a clean cloth after they've had their milk to keep their mouth clean.
- Once your child gets their first tooth, start brushing two times a day, in the morning and at night. Use fluoride toothpaste (the size of a rice grain for children under three and the size of a pea for children older than three) to prevent cavities. Teach your child how to spit the toothpaste.
- Brush their teeth for two minutes every time. Keep the toothbrush at a 45 degrees angle on their gums and swipe the outer and inner layers of the teeth as well as the chewing sides and the tongue.
- Introduce flossing when you notice that two teeth are touching each other. This way you can ensure that no food debris will get stuck in between their teeth.
- Schedule regular dentist appointments since their first tooth emerges. The dentist will teach you how to properly care for your child's teeth, what the best tools are, and so on. They can also make sure that your child has no plaque build-up and perform deep cleanings to remove it. If necessary, they can also apply a fluoride treatment to protect your child's teeth from decay.
- If you notice dark spots on your child's teeth, make an appointment with your dentist immediately and ask them about dental sealants. Sealants are a type of coating that protect the biting surface of the teeth against cavities.
- Mind your child's diet and avoid sugary foods and drinks. You should also reduce the consumption of starchy foods as they tend to stick to the teeth for longer periods and can lead to cavities.
Are You Looking for a Great Dentist for Your Child? Visit Us Now!
At We Care Dental Care, we understand very well how important it is that you find a compassionate dentist that you and your child trust and feel comfortable around. That's why we strive to provide dental care in a caring and warm environment so that your entire family can feel safe and confident.
Get in touch with us right now to book your appointment.