February is a great time to concentrate on keeping your children’s oral health in top shape.
Begin caring for children’s teeth as soon as they get them. Yes, you can gently clean those first baby teeth that come in between the ages of 5 months and 12 months with a washcloth and warm water. This gets babies used to the idea that teeth need to be cleaned. This should be done after feedings and at bedtimes, whenever possible.
After the age of around a year, a very small, very soft toothbrush can be used, without toothpaste at first. The young ones will invariably ingest it as they suck on the toothbrush.
When they begin the toddler years ages two and up, use a tiny bit of toothpaste and show them how to clean their teeth every night before bed or after a particularly sweet snack and teach them to spit out the toothpaste, as it does contain fluoride and they should not be ingesting too much of it.
Dental checkups for children can begin as early as two years old where a dentist or pediatric dentist will examine the mouth fairly quickly. This will get children used to the idea of having oral exams and that they are just as important as doctor’s visits.
In addition to the prophylactic care of teeth in young children, protecting baby teeth from injury and decay is important. Never allow babies to nurse a bottle for any length of time unless it’s water. Milk and formula do contain sugars and allowing those fluids to sit in the mouth for any length of time over 10 or 15 minutes will allow for bacterial growth to begin on baby teeth. Never give children soda in a bottle. Juice is loaded with sugar as well, so if you do give it in a bottle, brush teeth immediately. It’s better to wait until kids can use sippy cups for most juices unless directed by a pediatrician.
Toddlers can be clumsy, so when they begin to walk, baby proof your home to avoid injury. Keep furniture in play rooms to a minimum. Glass tables and sharp corners are a no-no for sure.
Children whose teeth have been neglected become candidates for adults with teeth that are neglected. Oral health care keeps gums and teeth healthy and strong. Eating foods rich in vitamins and calcium help support bone and tooth health. Biannual checkup with a dentist should be a priority as decay can be caught early or avoided with fluoride treatments. Dentists can also recommend if a child might be a candidate for an orthodontic consultation as well which may prevent bite and jaw problems later in life.
While oral care in babies and children only takes a few minutes a day, it provides a lifetime of good habits that bring them into adulthood. Healthy teeth equal happy kids and parents.
If you have questions about oral health for your kids, feel free to contact our dental office in Mooresville. We are happy to any your questions in our office, over the phone or even email.