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Oral Health
Healthy Teeth Make Happy Smiles
Yes, your child's baby teeth will fall
out, but that doesn't mean they're less important. These little
chompers help kids chew food, speak clearly, and hold space so
permanent teeth can grow in straight.Unfortunately, tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health problems for kids in the United States. Tooth decay is not only painful, it can also lead to other problems, such as ear and sinus infections, difficulty speaking, and a lack of concentration. Kids with dental problems are also more likely to miss school and fall
behind in class.The good news is that you can help prevent cavities by encouraging your child to develop good dental habits.
- Brushing
Many parents don't realize they should start brushing their baby's teeth as soon as that first baby
tooth sprouts.Know Your Brushing Basics:
- Wipe your newborn's gums with a clean, damp cloth at least once a day.
- Begin brushing with a small toothbrush every day when your child's first tooth appears, which is usually between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Ask your doctor whether to use toothpaste, and what type of toothpaste.
- Use a soft toothbrush with round-ended bristles made just for kids, and brush your child's teeth using a circular motion, not a back-and-forth motion that can wear down gums.
- Brush everywhere − the front side, back side, tops and in between each tooth, and around the gums.
- Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when your child is between the ages of 2 and 3 and able to understand how to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it. Supervise closely and teach your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
- Dental Visits
Along with proper brushing and nutrition, it's also important that your child visit a dentist at least once a year. These checkups are often short, with the dentist taking a look at the development of your child's teeth.
Tips for making dental visits go smoothly:
- Schedule your baby's first dental appointment at age 1, or when the first tooth comes in.
- Book appointments early in the day when your child is fully awake and less likely to be irritated.
- Bring along medical records.
- Ask about fluoride supplements if the water supply in your town isn't fluoridated or if your family uses purified water.
- Keep dental visits a positive experience by talking to your child about the visit beforehand and doing a fun activity together afterward. Also remember to keep a smile on your face so your child doesn't sense any reason to worry.
- Eating and Tooth Decay
Kids need to eat a balanced diet for their teeth to develop properly and their gums to stay healthy.
Best Habits for Healthy Teeth- Offer milk to your child every day − whole milk from age 1 to 2, and reduced-fat milk after age 2.
- Don't let your child suck on a bottle or sippy cup filled with milk, formula, or juice at bedtime.
- Encourage toddlers and preschoolers to eat crunchy vegetables like green beans and cauliflower as these help remove plaque from your child's teeth.
- Avoid sugary snacks, candy, soda, and juice − they are all causes of cavities.
- Limit the sharing of spoons and bottles between caregivers and children, and among children themselves.
- Teething
Many parents cringe at
even the word teething, as it can signal fussy babies and long
sleepless nights ahead. For most babies, the first tooth peeks
through between ages 4 and 7 months. By the time your child is 3
years old, a full set of 20 baby teeth will be shining with that
smile.
When teething, babies and toddlers may have the following symptoms:
How to ease discomfort during
teething:- Give your baby something to chew on, like a rubber teething ring, pacifier, or clean wet washcloth that's chilled in the refrigerator.
- Rub your baby's gums with a clean finger.
- Try a teething gel. (Check with your doctor beforehand.)
- Cold foods like applesauce and yogurt, or a piece of frozen banana. (If your child's older than 6 months.)
- Hard unsweetened teething cracker. (If your child's older than 6 months.)