We all want the best for our kids, and that includes insuring that they’re happy and healthy. Every parent wants their child to be as healthy as they can possibly be. Studies show that overall body health is heavily related to oral hygiene, so when you’re prioritizing your child’s health, make sure to prioritize their dental habits!
Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay from the moment they come in which usually starts around 6 month. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This decay can sometimes become so bad that the teeth cannot be saved and the teeth must be removed entirely. But this tooth decay is preventable and the most effective prevention is proper teeth cleaning.
When your child is a few days old, begin wiping its gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth to help wash away bacteria. Teeth brushing should begin as soon as they start getting their teeth in. Use a fluoride toothpaste in small amounts and brush teeth thoroughly twice a day. From ages 3 to 6, use a little bit more tooth paste, about the size of a pea, and still brush thoroughly twice a day. Remind your child not to swallow the toothpaste as this can upset their stomach. Until you are confident that your child can properly brush his or her teeth without supervision, help monitor them and keep encouraging to take up the practice on their own. When your child has two teeth that touch, begin flossing.
Teething is a very common and normal activity in babies. It is a healthy way for them to soothe their mouths. They can get fussy with this activity, especially as their teeth begin to come in, but this is normal. What isn’t normal are fevers, rashes, or diarrhea. If your child has any of these symptoms while teething, see your physician immediately.
Regular dental visits are encouraged for everyone and as soon as your child receives their first tooth it is time to schedule a dental appointment. It is recommended that the first appointment occur no more than 6 months after the arrival of the first tooth or by the child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. This is important to check for your child’s growth and development and to get them comfortable with seeing the dentist. Dental appointments can be very scary for many children so make sure to encourage and comfort them along the way.
It may seem like it’s silly to take care of your child’s baby teeth. After all, they’re just going to fall out eventually anyway. Though this is true, it is shown that your child’s oral hygiene when they are young will affect them as they get older. Correlations have been seen between children having cavities and those same children having more cavities as they reach adulthood. Beyond this, a child’s teeth are important for how they chew food and talk clearly so it is crucial for them to be healthy and fully functioning.
As you can see, the health of your child’s teeth are very important. It can be very difficult to get them in a regular brushing routine, especially boys, but it is necessary. Keep encouraging them and eventually they will be able to understand and make the decision to take hold of their oral health for themselves. If you need to schedule an appointment for your child or for yourself, contact Molenda today to see about getting your next visit on the calendar.
