Steps to Keep Your Child’s Mouth Healthy

02 Apr Steps to Keep Your Child’s Mouth Healthy

When infants are born, although they can’t yet be seen, their teeth have already been forming in the womb. At around six months of age, the first of an anticipated total of twenty “baby” teeth will start to emerge through gum tissue. As teeth come in, it is important to observe some basic rules to keep teeth and gum tissue healthy including the first visit to see the family dentist around the child’s first birthday.

1. Teach children how to brush their teeth at a very early age. A soft bristle brush with a small amount of tooth paste geared to the child’s age should be introduced initially by a caregiver. Only until the child is coordinated enough to brush on their own should you rely on the child’s ability to care for their own teeth. Even then, supervision is important to make sure daily brushing is performed correctly.
2. Flossing helps to keep gum tissue stimulated, and plaque build-up to a minimum. Teaching by example is often the best approach to formulating this practice.
3. Never put your child to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water. Baby bottles containing formula, milk, or juice are beverages loaded with sugar. As baby sleeps, the contents of the bottle linger in the mouth.  Plaque is formed when bacteria, in this case originating with sugar, stay on the teeth. Plaque build-up can lead to dental decay.
4. Take your child to see the family dentist before any problems have a chance to develop. This preliminary dental visit should be more of an introduction where an exam is conducted in a calm atmosphere. Imagine how traumatic it is for a child when their first dental visit is required to have a cavity repaired.

Even though baby teeth are somewhat temporary, they do pave the way for the permanent teeth. Having healthy primary teeth will allow your child to form proper speech and develop correct growth structure in the jaws and face. Premature loss of baby teeth due to inappropriate care or diet can jeopardize dental health as the child matures.

A child will benefit from consistent dental visits, including fluoride and sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth. Being proactive in the care of your child’s teeth will serve you and your child well with a lifetime of healthy teeth and smiles.