Care for your child's teeth
The fact that you have reached this website shows that you are committed to healthy and beautiful smiles for kids. You may be a parent, a dental practitioner, dental hygienist or someone who would like to guide a kid about oral care.
As a parent you may have many questions so that you are able to take care of your child’s teeth. Let me thank you for your efforts, and I assure you that your kids will be thankful to you in the future.
When should you start brushing?
You should start with cleaning your infant’s teeth with a wet wash cloth, however as your kid gets more teeth, you can start to use a soft children’s toothbrush.
Which toothpaste to use?
Your child may be at risk of too much fluoride intake, so your choice of toothpaste is essential. Most brands of kids' toothpaste are fluoridated, unless specified. So you have to coach your kid to not swallow the toothpaste. If using fluoridated toothpaste, use a small, pea-size amount of toothpaste, so that there is little danger for your child getting too much fluoride if he swallows it. The alternative off course is to use non-fluoridated toothpaste, until they are spitting the toothpaste out.
What about flossing?
Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. Your child should start flossing from the age of 3-4 years, but they likely won't be able to floss on their own, so your role will be to assist them. A floss holder can be handy.
Balancing the Fluoride intake?
Children begin to need supplemental fluoride by the age of six months. If your kid is drinking tap water and you live in an area with the water is fluoridated, then he should be getting an adequate amount of fluoride. If he doesn't drink water much, or is drinking well water, un-fluoridated bottled water or filtered water, then he may not be getting enough fluoride to keep his teeth healthy. Talk with your Pediatrician or Dentist about fluoride supplements.
Heard about Sealants?
A sealant is a plastic material that provides a protective coating to the teeth, thereby acts as a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances from being present in the grooves and pits of the teeth. Molars can be hard to clean and are prone to developing cavities, so sealants can do wonders.
When should your child visit a dentist?
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that children should see a dentist when they get their first tooth and not later than 1 year of age. However the common practice is that one may not visit a dentist unless your child has risk factors for having problems with his teeth, such as sleeping with a cup or bottle, teeth staining, thumb sucking, etc. However, an early visit to the dentist is a good way to learn proper oral hygiene at an early age.
For more information, please read: http://gurgaondentist.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-should-i-know-about-my-childs_6933.html
Please feel free to call me or contact me using the form on this website.