Your child’s mouth needs to be cleaned and cared for before their teeth ever come in. Before your child’s first tooth develops, wipe their gums with damp gauze. Older children should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Children under 3 shouldn’t use more than a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Children 3-6 can use a pea-sized amount. Brush all of the teeth thoroughly in gentle circular motions and make sure they brush their tongue.
If your child has enough teeth that are now starting to touch, they will need to floss once a day. Children need help caring for their teeth and gums until about the age of 6 when they start developing enough dexterity to do it on their own.
You should still monitor them to make sure they’re brushing and flossing properly. Take your child for regular checkups and dental cleanings every 6 months or any time you see warning signs of tooth decay, such as tooth pain, discoloration, sensitivity, or holes in the teeth.
Common dental problems in children include tooth decay, dental trauma, halitosis, lip and tongue ties, sensitive teeth, premature loss of baby teeth, and orthodontic problems. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular dental appointments. Eat a diet low in sugar and avoid frequent snacking to reduce cavity risk.
If your child plays contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can reduce their risk of oral injuries. Halitosis is a foul breath odor caused by bacteria that produces sulfur. This is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and a dental cleaning can improve this.
If your child has sensitive teeth, this could be because they naturally have thin or sensitive teeth or it could be a sign of an oral health problem like a cavity. Get this checked, reduce exposure to hot and cold foods, and use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
When teeth are lost too soon, we will place a space maintainer in your child’s mouth to prevent the teeth from drifting and blocking the eruption of the permanent tooth. Your child should get an orthodontic screening by age 7 to catch early warning signs of orthodontic issues. This allows us to treat things early and prevent the need for more invasive options later down the road. Call us today to learn more!
%20(1).jpg)
.png)
®2022 Elite Dental Wellness. All rights reserved.
