Taking care of children’s teeth is a very important thing, as children's teeth are important indicators of their overall health. Plus, taking care of children’s teeth helps them eat and speak without shame.
There is nothing like the beauty of a child's smile, and the first thing you see when a child smiles is their teeth, so keeping them healthy is a must.
Many mothers only start caring of their children's teeth when they are two years old and have a full set of teeth, but children's teeth need attention even before they appear.
A mother should start taking care of a child's teeth as soon as he or she is born, by cleaning the mouth of the child after each feeding, so as not to accumulate bacteria on the gums, causing decay at the appearance of teeth.
Good oral hygiene helps the child to practice good medical habits when he grows up. While poor oral care can lead to infection, illness or other dental problems.
The appearance of children's teeth
Children's teeth often begin to emerge when they are 4 to 7 months, or sometimes when they are older. The lower front teeth usually begin to appear first, and the baby's set of teeth is often complete by the age of three. Children often start start to lose baby teeth at the age of six to 12.
Some problems may occur in the teeth or gums of the child, these problems should always be examined by the doctor, and any warp in the teeth needs to be evaluated.
It is normal and common among children to put their thumb or fingers in the mouth, and sometimes the child may not give up the sucker or the pacifier easily, but most children abandon these habits at the age of four.
But prolonged use of these habits can cause problems in the alignment of teeth in the child, So you should follow up with the dentist periodically to make sure that it is normal and there is no need to worry.
When should the child start using a toothbrush?
According to the dentist's instructions, the mother must start taking care of children’s teeth by brushing the child's teeth when the teeth first appear.
This should be done using toothpaste made of natural ingredients and without fluoride, so as not to harm the child if swallowed. Then replace it with a fluoride paste when the child begins to control the swallowing.
Time to visit a dentist
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children visit a dentist at the age of one. This gives the dentist an opportunity to check any potential problems with the child’s teeth.
As a parent you will also receive tips and advice from the dentist on taking care of child’s teeth and how to keep it healthy. Visiting a dentist at an early age makes the child more comfortable, and becomes a habit for the child when he or she grows up.
Tips for Taking care of children's teeth
Teach your child good habits for taking care of his teeth, you can explain about the importance of healthy teeth and mouth.
It is important to teach your child to use a toothbrush twice a day, especially before bedtime.
Always give him healthy food especially calcium-rich food, and make sure he gets enough meat and eggs.
Avoid eating too many sweetened and sugary food. It is very harmful for children's teeth and causes them to decay.
If your baby is still using a pacifier, avoid indulging in honey or sugars, as this leads to tooth decay and rapid decay, and you should also reduce the acidic drinks as they negatively affect the children's teeth.
When you start using a toothbrush, you should choose a brush with soft hair so that it is soft on your child's teeth.
If your child does not have a toothbrush, you should clean his gums and any teeth that start to appear with a damp cloth and wipe the gums well.
Choose toothpaste suitable for your child's age. As mentioned previously, children's toothpaste must be pre-controlled in the swallowing process, made of natural ingredients and then replaced with fluoride paste, as it strengthens the enamel layer and protects it from corrosion by acids in the food.
Make sure your child is getting enough water. It reduces the acidity of the mouth and eliminates any chance of food accumulation.
Have a good time while brushing your teeth
Children hate taking orders all the time by their parents, but on the other hand they love to imitate them and enjoy spending special and enjoyable time with them, so you can brush your teeth together so that the child feels encouraged to do so as well.
These are some things you can do with your child while brushing their teeth to have fun.
Children are happy when you give them the freedom to choose, so make your child choose his toothbrush with his favorite color, or choose his favorite toothpaste, which will make your child love to brush his teeth.
Make sure that the cleaning process lasts for at least 2 minutes, so you can sing your favorite songs with your child or tell him some funny stories while you are brushing your teeth.
You can read books and stories or watch some videos about dental hygiene.
Planning for a particular activity that the child likes to do can also be done after a dentist visit.
Do not forget to reward your child when he takes care of his teeth and keep them clean, he can be given a small reward, maybe a piece of his favorite fruit.
