Daily Archives: October 31, 2018
Infants, in general, are more prone to different health complications because their bodies are in a constant developmental phase. In a similar manner, infants and toddlers are vulnerable to periodontal issues for multiple reasons. Tooth decay and other periodontal issues in formative years can lay the foundation for lifelong dental health complications. However, it’s possible to take care of your child’s dental health by the following the tips recommended by seasoned pediatric dentists.
Initial dental checkup by the first birthday
Majority of dental experts recommend parents to take their child for his first dental checkup no later than his first birthday. This initial dental checkup is central to implement preventive dental care in place. Having your children examined for their dental health at that point of their age will protect them from suffering and hefty dental care bills at later stages of life.
Maintain dental cleaning routine from the beginning
To protect them from any oral health issue and to indoctrinate a hard-to-break dental cleaning habit, start taking care of their oral cavity from infancy. Gentle brushing of gums with baby toothpaste can be the start of this. After the growth of the first teeth, make sure that it is being brushed by baby toothpaste twice a day. Also start their flossing routine as soon as two teeth are grown side by side. To understand the techniques of infant dental care, consult any good pediatric dentist.
Prevent baby bottle tooth decay
It is pretty common for parents to put children to sleep with a bottle in their mouth, which is usually filled with milk and other sugary liquids. The sugar and other remnants sticking to the teeth and gum can result in tooth decay. Therefore, avoid giving your child the bottle as a lullaby when he/she has grown teeth. If the child is not able to sleep without sucking on the bottle, then only fill it with water.
Cut down their daily sugar intake
Children love to imbibe on sugary liquids. However, the detrimental effects of sugar for the oral cavity, particularly for teeth, are also pretty known. Therefore, it is important to cut down the daily sugar intake of the child. According to the recommendation of pediatric dentists, a child 2-4 years old must not consume more than four ounces of sugary fluid daily. Also, try to limit the sugary treats only for particular occasions. Excessive consumption of sugar is not just bad for oral health, but also for the overall wellbeing.
Use of pacifier should be discontinued by age three
Use of pacifier certainly has some benefits during infancy. For instance, it is believed to lower the risk of SIDS in infants. Nonetheless, the prolonged use of a pacifier can disturb the natural growth of teeth. The extended sucking on a pacifier can particularly disturb the growth of upper front teeth.
By acting upon the above-discussed tips, parents can maintain a good dental care routine of their children. To know more about pediatric oral health care, get in contact with The Gentle Dentist. Please visit our website at www.TheGentleDentist.com or call us at 586-247-3500.