Good dental hygiene habits early in your child’s development will save you from future problems. Poor dental hygiene can cause tooth decay, gum disease, or even death. Research has shown that tooth decay in children is more common than asthma, and gum disease can also increase your risk of developing heart disease or diabetes.
Your family must establish good dental habits from a young age to help prevent painful procedures. Although baby teeth are temporary, it’s never too early to teach your child about good oral hygiene and to establish a routine to encourage proper care throughout their lives. Your child’s oral health can be compromised if they are not adequately cared for. This can lead to decay or loss of baby teeth, which can impact the appearance of permanent teeth. It can also affect speech development and nutrition.
These are some ways to get your child started with good dental care.
- You can prevent tooth decay even before your baby gets their first tooth. Use a damp washcloth to clean your baby’s gums after breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This will prevent bacteria buildup in your baby’s mouth. Even if your baby doesn’t like it, it will get used to it. This will establish routines for oral care at an early age.
- Six months is the typical age of a baby’s first tooth. You should brush the baby’s teeth as soon as it pops out of the gums. Warm water can soften the bristles, or you may use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. Brushes should be replaced every 2 to 4 months or when follicles become too rough. This is because bacteria can build up.
- Research shows that babies should not be put to bed with feedings or given milk or juice before sleep. Children are more likely to get cavities if exposed to sugary drinks or milk overnight. Avoid drinking milk, limit the intake of fluids at mealtimes, and ensure that your children brush their teeth before bed.
- Even if your child doesn’t use toothpaste, fluoride should still be used to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is added to most tap water because of these benefits. You can check with your dentist or doctor to determine if your water has it. They will recommend a fluoride supplement for your child if it does not.
Your child will grow older, so you can continue teaching them the proper care of their teeth. It is essential to make good food choices for your child. We know that water and milk are the best options for dental health; however, it can take some work to make these choices. Limit sugary drinks and sweet treats to special occasions, and choose foods and beverages with low sugar content to prevent cavities.
Families in Hesperia, California, must be aware of what to look out for in dental issues. A child’s healthy teeth should only be one color. If your child’s teeth are stained or have spots, take them to the dentist.
Even if your child has no problems with their teeth, bringing them to the dentist before their first birthday is essential. This will help prevent future dental problems. Your child will grow older, so make sure to continue to encourage good dental health.
