Not many people know about this, but in reality, healthy baby teeth aid in the formation of healthy adult teeth? Thus, it is only vital to protect your teeth as a youngster because baby teeth create the framework for adult teeth to properly form. From cleaning to tooth protection, any baby or child’s teeth should be maintained.
Infant tooth protection is beneficial to your child’s future oral health. This means that as a parent or guardian, you should start cleaning your child’s mouth before the first tooth appears.
Read on to learn and discover more about the importance of children’s dentistry.
Keeping and Maintaining Optimal Child Dental Hygiene
Among the many reasons to keep an eye on your child’s dental hygiene are the following:
Health of Future Adult Teeth
It is critical to safeguard your child’s infant teeth against decay and other disorders. When a baby tooth decays, the chances of adult teeth crowding rise. Baby teeth should fall out naturally when adult teeth erupt.
Speech Development
Teeth aids in the development of speech by regulating the movement of air out of the mouth. By moving their tongue against their teeth, your youngster will learn to make a variety of sounds.
Better Smile
Healthy teeth and gums prevent your youngster from decay and other problems. After all, your child would want to pose with a healthy, appealing smile.
Proper and Effortless Chewing
Baby teeth are required for efficient food chewing.
Why Children Need Proper Dental Care
To guarantee a positive dental experience for your child, make an appointment with the dentist as soon as feasible. Maintain your cool and avoid using the dentist as a threat or punishment, as this adversely portrays dentist sessions. This will discourage your youngster from seeking normal dental care.
Your child should have his or her first dental visit before the age of two, or soon after the first baby tooth appears.
The Initial Dental Exam
The dentist will ask about your child’s medical history on the initial visit. A visual oral exam allows the dentist to inspect your child’s teeth, gums, and overall mouth.
The dentist will also inspect your child’s teeth and look for developmental problems. As such, x-rays are rarely taken at a child’s age, especially during the first visit, unless there is an emergency or the dentist has to assess the alignment of adult teeth.
Furthermore, the dentist will answer any questions you may have and demonstrate proper oral hygiene for your child.
Here, the dentist will also discuss topics surrounding advice on Infant Feeding (nutrition to strengthen teeth and avoid sweets), tooth decay from baby bottles, tooth decay prevention, dental treatment for children, harmful oral habits (dummy and thumb sucking), bite complications, and teething.
Following the initial visit, your child should go to the dentist every six months, or sooner if necessary.
Cleaning Your Baby’s Teeth
Even before your baby starts teething, you should wipe his or her gums to remove harmful microorganisms.
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day, starting with the first tooth, with a damp towel, or a small toothbrush with soft bristles. Flossing should also begin once two teeth have connected.
It is safe to start using a child-safe reduced fluoride toothpaste around the age of 18 months.
You should keep cleaning your child’s teeth until he or she is about seven years old and capable of brushing their own teeth. Allow your child to brush his or her own teeth before this age, but make sure to follow up with a thorough cleaning.
Conclusion
When it comes to children and their health, don’t forget to check on their oral hygiene as well. Remember that maintaining their good teeth is part of keeping them healthy at all times. Thus, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dentist that could treat your child’s teeth.
Are you looking for a children’s dentist in Earlwood? The TLC Dentist offers professional dental services for all ages, young or old. Contact us today to set your child’s first appointment!