Premium oral health starts at the beginning of life. Kids have a long road ahead for a bright smile once their first tooth appears. Dental care does not come naturally. As with most things, parents guide the way. Minors will only develop healthy teeth if they get help developing oral care as a habit.
Brushing, flossing regularly, and eating right are just the initial steps. Good dental health includes regular care from our kid’s dentist near you. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) affirms fluoride is important in children’s oral care daily. It fortifies tooth enamel and restores early damage to the teeth.
This component can be added to drinking water and using toothpaste as part of the child’s usual care. Our kid’s dentist in St. Albert may offer guidance if your child requires extra fluoride doses through tablets, drops or varnish.
When your baby’s first tooth arises, brush it daily with a bit of gauze after meals or at least twice a day. Once the tooth is out, shift to a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Since kids are likely to swallow toothpaste, fluoride has to be measured. For children under 3 years old, a rice grain size of fluoride is sufficient. Otherwise, for children 3 and older, a pea-sized amount is required. Applying too much fluoride can cause spotting of the teeth or also known as fluorosis.
Pacifier use or thumb sucking are other common habits among children. This may affect the anatomy of the mouth and teeth. Nevertheless, if the child stops this habit before they are 3 or before their permanent teeth come in, this will probably correct itself. However, if all else fails, realigning their teeth to their original positions will need orthodontic care.
Tooth decay in children is easy to prevent. Usually, parents share food and drinks with children, but this can allow germs to settle in the child’s mouth and cause cavities and gum disease. Parents should not share food or drinks with their children or have oral contact with the baby’s tools, like spoons or pacifiers. Furthermore, parents should ensure their gums and teeth are healthy through an evaluation performed by a professional at our dental clinic in St. Albert. Schedule regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning with our St. Albert dentist for the whole family.
Other tips for avoiding tooth problems during childhood are:
Do not tuck your child into bed with a bottle. If they rely on a bottle, just fill it with water. Always clean their mouth after they have had milk to drink at bedtime.
Avoid keeping your baby from eating if it’s not mealtime. Likewise, try to offer healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables and avoid sweet or sticky snacks.
The AAP recommends early dentist checkups. Oral health risk evaluation should start by 6 months of age or no later than 6 months after the first tooth eruption. Pediatricians will check and refer your children to our pediatric dentist if there are any teeth-related problems during a general consultation.
Although dentists in general, treat children, our pediatric dentist is a specialist in handling children’s teeth and behaviour. Typical children’s problems include injuries (from trauma or food cuts), discolouration signs, pain, annoying sensation with too cold or hot liquids or sensitivity, atypical growth inside the mouth, teeth not fitting together right and bite problems.
Find a pediatric dentist in your area and make sure your children’s health includes proper oral care. Avoid early tooth problems that can cause long-term consequences and psychological shock. Visit a trained specialist for your whole family, including infants, children, and teens, and offer them complete oral health care.