admin - February 16, 2016
When it comes to kid’s health, parents are always cautious. You should know how to take care of their oral health. So you might wonder when is the right time to start brushing his teeth. The answer is as soon as they appear! In fact you must start cleaning a baby’s mouth with wet cloth even before it develops teeth. Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases of children and teens. Research says that around 40% of kids have cavities when they reach kindergarten.
Do not neglect your baby’s teeth and take the following precautions:
1. Start Early
Take your child to a dentist when he turns one. Prevention is always better than cure.
2. Elude ‘Baby Bottle Decay’
Don’t put your baby down for a nap with a bottle of milk, formula or juice. Sugary liquids stick to baby’s teeth leading to bacterial growth which can cause tooth decay.
3. Nurture Good Habits
Teach him to properly brush his teeth and make sure he brushes them twice a day. Use an infant toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Even before your baby gets teeth, you should wipe her/his gums regularly. You can use gauze if there is only one tooth. You can visit your dentist or any children dentist to know the techniques. Stop him from eating during bedtime after he brushes his teeth.
4. Reduce Juice intake
Juice has been related to tooth decay and childhood obesity. That is why limit your kid to only 4 ounces a day of 100% fruit juice. Avoid giving them sugary drinks and foods.
5. Be cautious of Medicines
The medications for children could be sugary and flavored. Their teeth might decay if they stick on the teeth. Antibiotics and some medicines for asthma can lead to growth of yeast which might cause a fungal infection. Its signs include curd like, creamy patches inside the mouth or on the tongue. Consult your dentist in UK to know how often your child should brush if he is on a long term medications.
6. Be strict on Oral Hygiene
Be strict with your kids when oral hygiene is concerned. Make him rinse, floss and brush regularly. Kids can start brushing their teeth with help from elders until they grow up. They learn to floss properly by the age of 10.
Visiting a dentist regularly will also help in preventing tooth decay and will keep gums healthy.
