Have you been blessed with the task of raising a child? Then there is virtually no limit to the things you must teach them, such as not to exclusively eat gummy bears, not to wear Spider-Man pajamas to church, and not to bother the cat when it’s hissing.
But parenting isn’t exclusively about teaching your child what not to do. Helping your child practice good oral hygiene is essential to helping them grow into a happy, healthy adult. Here are some tips you can follow if you’d like your kid to spend as little time in the dentist’s chair as possible!
Oral Hygiene Begins at Birth
A newborn may not have teeth yet, but they still require oral hygiene. Use a damp washcloth, gauze pad or clean finger to gently clean baby’s gums and tongue after each meal and before you lay them down to rest for the night. It’s an effective way of protecting their sensitive mouth against potentially harmful bacteria.
Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Although they may be temporary, baby teeth are still precious. Preventing their decay is paramount to giving your baby a healthy childhood, which is why you should take care to avoid baby bottle tooth decay – a condition that commonly affects baby teeth when they are exposed to sweet fluids such as soda, juice, and even baby formula for extended periods of time. Limit your baby’s bottle time to six minutes or fewer, and never put them to bed with a bottle. In addition to tooth decay, sleeping with a bottle increases a baby’s risk of choking and ear infection.
Tooth Brushing Begins With the First Tooth
Most babies get their first teeth when they’re around 6 months old (typically the lower central incisors). As soon as your baby’s first teeth appear, it’s time to start brushing them twice a day. Use a lightly moistened soft-bristled baby toothbrush to spare your baby discomfort. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using fluoride toothpaste as a preventative measure against cavities, which can form within even the newest baby teeth. Use a small smear of toothpaste for a baby; a pea-sized amount is suitable for children ages 3 to 6.
Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush Regularly
No matter the age of the person using it, a toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Even if it hasn’t lasted that long, a toothbrush should also be replaced when its bristles begin to fray. Frayed bristles are more likely to retain larger amounts of bacteria.
Flossing Begins When Two Teeth Touch
Your child should begin flossing before bedtime as soon as two of their baby teeth touch one another. This developmental milestone typically occurs around age 2 or 3. Toddlers are categorically opposed to flossing, and are unlikely to start voluntarily. Parental supervision is highly advisable!
Raise Your Child on a Tooth-Healthy Diet
Sugary foods like soda, candy and fruit juice are not part of a tooth-healthy diet. Bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth turn sugar into acid, which accelerates tooth decay and frequently leads to cavities. When your child does indulge, have them brush immediately afterward – a great health habit to develop early in life.
A tooth-healthy diet is high in calcium, which makes up about 38 percent of each tooth. Dairy, leafy greens, broccoli, tofu, oranges, chickpeas, soybeans, canned salmon and flour tortillas are all rich in the essential mineral. Your child’s recommended daily calcium intake depends on their age:
- Babies younger than 6 months: 200 mg of calcium
- Babies ages 6 to 11 months: 260 mg of calcium
- Children ages 1 to 3 years: 700 mg of calcium (two to three servings)
- Children ages 4 to 8 years: 1,000 mg of calcium (two to three servings)
- Children ages 9 to 18 years: 1,300 mg of calcium (four servings)
Dental Visits Begin Around 12 Months of Age
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should take place within six months of the appearance of their first tooth. The dentist will examine your child’s oral development and probably administer an extremely gentle cleaning that removes plaque and tartar.
Just like any adult, your child should return to the dentist for regular checkups every six months. Their pediatric dentist will detect dental difficulties that commonly occur early in life, such as tooth decay and gingivitis, and provide treatments that will help your child chew more comfortably, speak more clearly, and enjoy a lower risk of future oral complications.
If you’re raising children in the greater Logan, Utah area, then we welcome you to contact All About Teeth today. We offer full pediatric dentistry services in a gentle, calming environment so kids can smile bright and live healthier lives!
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