When our babies’ teeth come in, it can be unpleasant for them and us alike. Those pearly whites poking through the gums are often uncomfortable, and kids do not hesitate to let everyone in the vicinity know about it. But when the teeth make it through and they start flashing those adorable toothy smiles, it’s easy to see that it was worth all the trouble.
In the first years of life, it’s up to us to make sure our children’s teeth are well taken care of. And that’s not as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of things that can affect kids’ teeth, and some of them are not so obvious. Here are five things you can do to help keep your child’s smile beautiful.
1. Start cleaning the teeth early. In fact, it’s good practice to wipe the gums with a clean washcloth after feedings before any teeth have erupted. When your child does have teeth, clean them with a washcloth, gauze, or a soft baby toothbrush. Use a toothpaste made for babies that is safe to swallow.
2. Avoid putting your infant or toddler to bed with a bottle. When a child falls asleep with a bottle, the milk or juice pools up in the mouth. The bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth devour the sugar in the liquid, creating acid that attacks the tooth enamel. This results in tooth decay. If your child insists on having a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water only.
3. Limit the amount of sugar in your child’s diet. Candy and cake might be delicious, but they can wreak havoc on the teeth. Some of the worst offenders are sticky candies such as suckers, taffy and gummy bears. The sugar in them tends to stick to the teeth, amplifying its effects. Encourage your child to eat fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks instead.
4. Use fluoride wisely. We all know about the benefits of fluoride, but too much of it can actually damage the teeth. If you have fluoridated tap water, allowing your child to drink it should provide sufficient fluoride without the need for supplements. In children under six, consider using a toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride so that you won’t have to worry about them swallowing it. Fluoridated toothpaste is safe for children who are old enough to brush their own teeth, but only a pea-sized amount should be used.
5. Start taking your child to the dentist early. There is some debate about the right age for the first dentist’s visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child when the first tooth comes in. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that most children see a dentist by age three, and high-risk children by twelve months. Your pediatrician can examine your child’s teeth and help you decide when he needs to see a dentist.
Good dental habits should start early in life. Taking an interest in your child’s teeth will help prevent cavities and other problems. It will also impress upon your child the importance of taking care of his teeth, giving him a better chance of having good dental health into adulthood.
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