Adopting good teeth care habits begins in the first few months of your child’s life. Here are some key tips for keeping that melting smile healthy.
1. Clean your child’s teeth every day… even if he doesn’t have any yet!
Before babies even have their first teeth, it is recommended to clean their gums with a damp cloth after each drink and meal. As soon as teeth appear, if possible, after each meal.
2. Help your little one brush their teeth.
Since children are not good at brushing their teeth well, you should supervise your child’s teeth brushing at least until the age of 6. A good brushing of the teeth takes two to three minutes. In toddlers, it is done by rotary movements (and not horizontal), without pressing too much on the brush.
3 . Limit the amount of fluoride toothpaste.
For toddlers, the equivalent of a grain of rice for children under 2 years old, and the equivalent of a pea for those between 2 and 6 years old. It is important to watch that the child does not swallow fluoridated toothpaste to prevent dental fluorosis, characterized by the appearance of white spots on the child’s teeth, from developing.
4 . Lead by example.
As you may have noticed, your child loves to imitate you! So set an example for him by adopting yourself and your family members to adopt healthy lifestyles and dental hygiene. Try to make brushing your teeth fun, and adopt a positive and supportive attitude.
5. Be careful what your child puts in their mouth.
A newborn baby’s mouth does not contain the bacteria that cause tooth decay . They are transmitted to him when he puts objects (pacifiers, toys, utensils, etc.) or food contaminated with the saliva of an adult or another child in his mouth. It is also not recommended to let babies sleep or fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as these fluids contain sugar which can destroy tooth enamel.
Visit a dentist at least once a year.
Regular visits to the dentist can prevent dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, which require longer, more expensive and more stressful treatments for the child than a simple dental exam. Also, during your routine visits, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have about the right way to take care of your little one’s teeth.
Picking the right dentist is as important for your kids as it is for yourself. If you have kids who are anxious about going to the dentist, please see the resource below for some tips to help them build a lifetime of good dental habits.
Provided by Cosmedent – supplier of dental composite products