When your child was born, your dentist probably talked to you about the importance of taking good care of mouth and healthy teeth for your child’s as they got older. Did you have any idea just how important that would be? Healthy teeth are not only necessary for helping your child avoid oral pain and infection, but also for protecting their overall health! That’s right; dental issues can make other chronic health problems worse, or can even lead to them developing at all. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your child’s teeth from infancy onwards so that they stay healthy and cavity-free as they get older.
Importance of Healthy Teeth for Your Child’s
Toothbrushes: Which Is Best For My Child?
When it comes to choosing the right toothbrush for your child, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the brush. It should be small enough to comfortably fit into your child’s mouth. Second, look for a brush with soft bristles. Harder bristles can be too abrasive on delicate teeth and gums.
Third, choose a toothbrush with a fun design or character to help make brushing more enjoyable for your child. fourth, don’t forget about the handle! A comfortable grip will make it easier for your child to hold onto the brush. fifth, you may also want to consider an electric toothbrush. These can be especially helpful for kids who have a hard time brushing properly on their own.
How Often Should I Brush My Child’s Teeth?
As a parent, you know that healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health. But how often should you brush their teeth? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss their teeth once a day. They can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush gently in circular motions.
When they are done brushing, make sure they rinse their mouth out with water or an age-appropriate mouthwash like Listerine® Kids Antiseptic Mouthwash. If your child needs help remembering to brush their teeth, try setting an alarm on their phone so they remember to brush after breakfast and before bedtime.
What Are Some Common Causes of Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in every six children aged two to five years has at least one untreated decayed tooth. The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Some common causes of tooth decay are not taking enough fluoride, not brushing teeth twice a day, excessive sugar intake, lack of oral hygiene, chewing on pencils or fingernails, sleeping with your mouth open and drinking from a bottle while lying down.
Bacteria feed on sugar which cause plaque to form on teeth. When plaque hardens it becomes tartar. Tartar makes it difficult for saliva to wash away bacteria which leads to tooth decay.
How Do I Know if My Child Has Cavities?
Early childhood cavities are most commonly found on the top front teeth. However, they can occur anywhere in the mouth. The first sign of a cavity is usually a small, white spot on the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. If you suspect your child has a cavity, it’s important to schedule an appointment with their dentist right away. To prevent early childhood cavities, make sure that your children:
Brush their teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste; drink water from a bottle or sippy cup instead of from a cup; eat crunchy foods (like carrots) instead of sugary snacks; brush their teeth after meals; limit snacks to two per day; chew sugarless gum after eating sugary snacks or drinking soda.
What can I do to prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. First, make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day. Second, have them floss at least once a day. Third, give them healthy snacks and drinks that won’t damage their teeth. Fourth, take them to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Fifth, teach them about good oral hygiene habits. Sixth, model good oral hygiene habits yourself. Seventh, be sure to see the dentist if you think there might be a problem. Eighth, make sure they have enough calcium in their diet (milk is an excellent source). Ninth, get regular dental check-ups with your pediatrician. And lastly, talk to your pediatrician about fluoride treatments for kids younger than 6 years old.
Where Can I Get More Information About Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
The best way to ensure your child has healthy teeth is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. This means brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash. You should also avoid sugary drinks and snacks, and have your child drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re looking for more information on how to care for your child’s teeth, you can talk to their dentist or visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website. Fluoride can be added to toothpaste or tap water to help reduce cavities in children. Failing to take these steps could lead to dental problems later in life such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Your child may need professional dental treatment if they: 1) Have frequent cavities; 2) Have deep bite problems; 3) Have missing teeth due to trauma; 4) Have food caught between their teeth (and are unable) to remove it themselves; 5) Don’t brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste two times per day; 6) Have an abnormal amount of plaque buildup around the front teeth; 7) Do not use mouthwash with fluoride at least once per day.
