Dental Care for Children’s Teeth
Good dental care starts even before the baby’s first tooth comes out. After all, babies are already born with all their teeth, although they are not yet visible because they are hidden in the gums. It is around their sixth month that baby teeth start to break through the gums, but good oral care should be started early on. Remember that healthy gums equal healthy teeth.
By age 3, kids will have their baby teeth (otherwise known as primary teeth) all out. And by age 6, the primary teeth start to fall out, giving way to the adult or permanent teeth. Gaps in between primary teeth are normal because this makes room for adult teeth. Most adult teeth come out by the time children turn 12 or 13 years old.
One very serious problem among babies and children is bottle tooth decay. This can happen among those who drink formula, milk, or juice out of bottles for long periods of time. In order to avoid this, take away the bottle as soon as your child is finished drinking. Also, never put your baby to bed with a bottle. Below are some tips to help keep your children’s teeth strong and healthy as they grow up.
- By 0 to 2 years, gently wipe their gums with a washcloth after they feed to remove the sticky coating that can lead to tooth decay. Brush their teeth twice daily using a soft-bristle brush. Before they turn 1, take them to their first dentist appointment.
- By 3 to 5 years, get them to use pea-sized fluoride toothpaste when they brush. Make sure that they spit it out afterward. Also, try to get them to stop thumb-sucking. Take them to their dentist every 6 months.
- By 6 to 9 years, when their teeth touch, get them to floss. Explain that it is normal for baby teeth to fall out to give way to adult teeth. Also, help them with brushing and flossing until they can practice these habits on their own. Never forget to check their back teeth from time to time.
- By 10 to 12 years, continue monitoring their oral dental health, as well as ensuring that they regularly visit their dentist. For those who play sports, particularly contact sports, get them to wear a mouth guard for protection.
- By age 13 and onwards, make the most of a teenager’s interest in their looks by reminding them that a healthy smile and fresh breath can make them look and feel their best. If they wear braces, encourage them to thoroughly brush and floss.
Whether your child is 3 or 14 years old, limit their intake of sticky and sugary foods and drinks for tooth decay protection as much as you can. Finally, make sure that you choose a reputable children’s dentist to help maintain your little one’s oral health. Call one in your area now to learn more tips on how to take care of your child’s teeth.
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