The importance of baby teeth
A common myth about baby teeth is that don’t require as much care as permanent teeth because they’ll fall out anyways. While baby teeth are temporary neglecting them can lead to problems with chewing, speech, and the eruption/development of permanent teeth. Moreover, poor oral hygiene of baby teeth can lead to rampant caries, a condition characterized by the rapid appearence of cavities in more than 10 baby teeth. Treatment may include restorations, extractions and root canal treatments. To save your wallet, and the child’s distress, it’s best to ensure your child’s maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist.
Here are some tips to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy:
Oral health tips for children 0-3 years old
- Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, as that can lead to cavities developing
- Wipe their gums with a soft damp clamp after every feeding before the tooth appears
- When the teeth first emerges, use a small soft-bristled brush 2 times a day
- Check your child’s teeth for chalky white or brown spots, and consult to your dentist if you find any.
- From 18 months until the child turns six, only use a pea sized amount of toothpaste with low or no fluoride
Oral health tips for 3-6 years old:
- Brush your childs teeth for 2 minutes twice a day
- Use a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste
- Floss your child’s teeth daily as they grow closer together
- Encourage your child to learn how to brush themselves by brushing with them daily
- Avoid frequent drinking of sugar beverages like fruit juice and soda