Sunday 23 April 2017

How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth?

One of the best ways to ensure that your children enjoy healthy teeth is to begin their dental care early. Here are a few tips that can help you prevent tooth cavities and keep your little one’s smile healthy.

Get a Checkup

It is advised that your child sees a dental expert by his first birthday. You can save a lot of money with early preventive care. In fact, as per a study, dental care costs are almost 40% lower for children who go to a dentist by age five.

Teach good habits

Brushing is very important from the early stages. Before your little one develops teeth, you can start by brushing their gums gently. Use a little water on a toothbrush made especially for babies, or clean the teeth with a washcloth. Once the teeth start to appear, brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.

Begin flossing once two to three teeth touch each other. Ask the dentist about schedules and techniques. Floss or brush right before bedtime.

Avoid bottle decay

Do not put your older child or infant down for a nap with a bottle of formula, juice, or milk. Sugary liquids tend to cling to the teeth, feeding bacteria that may lead to tooth decay. If you have to give a bottle to your child to take to bed, it is best to give a bottle of water.

Stop using the pacifier by age two or three

There are many good reasons to let your little one use a pacifier, but in the long run it can affect how the teeth line up. Pacifier can also change the mouth’s shape. Speak to a doctor if your child is using a pacifier beyond age three.

Be careful with the sweet medicine

Children's medicines can be sugary and flavored. If they remain on the teeth, the likelihood of cavities tends to go up. Children on medicines for chronic health problems such as heart problems and asthma often have a higher rate of decay.

Be strict about flossing, brushing, and rinsing

If your little one gets fussy about brushing, flossing, and rinsing, don’t let them off the hook. Here are a few tips to make your reluctant child brush on their own or to help you while you brush their teeth:

1. Do not wait till late in the day. If the little one is tired, they may not cooperate with flossing, brushing, and rinsing. Start early.
2. Let your little one choose their toothpaste. Children five or older can pick their own from the options you have pre-approved.
3. Motivate. A younger kid may brush happily for a sticker or gold stars on the chart. Children might be more likely to join in if they see you brushing.

It may seem like a daunting task but with just a little patience and love, you can make your little one learn good oral habits that will help them stay healthy their entire life.

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