How to treat baby teeth? This question could forever change the way you monitor the dental health of your young children as it has been scientifically proven that dental hygiene habits can influence the overall health of individuals.
Furthermore, it has been proven that dental caries continues to be a widespread health problem in the world’s population, and is one of the most common among children.
On this occasion, we present to you the most useful tips that you can apply to encourage your children to the importance of dental hygiene; in the early years, you will serve as guide to molding this habit and, thus, reduce the risk of your little ones having dental conditions that put their health at risk. Discover the best tips for taking care of baby teeth!
Apply the hygiene advice according to the age of the children.
Knowledge is power and for this reason experts recommend that parents know in detail all the dental care tips in depending on the age of their children.
According to the New York State Department of Health, this process can be divided into three stages: 0-6 months, 6 months-3 years, and 3-5 years. From the birth of children, and in the absence of teething, it is important toperform a hygiene procedure using a clean gauze or tissue on the gums and the rest of the oral cavity to prevent food residue from causing damage.
From 6 months to 3 years, it is recommended to use ane small toothbrush with soft bristlesuse only a small amount of toothpaste, such as Crest Sparkle Fun, and try to get the child to spit out the leftover product instead of rinsing the mouth.
In the third stage, it is recommended to include the use of dental floss and closely monitor the movements made to ensure that all plaque is removed.
Plan an annual visit from the age of two
From the age of two, dental health specialists recommend planning a annual visit to monitor the growth of the teeth, their general state of health and the recommendations that can be applied to help children avoid the risk of cavities or get them treated in good time.
This is a crucial step in promoting good dental health, as it is often common to neglecting conditions such as cavities ; Hopkins Hospital experts say that without timely treatment, these can lead to severe pain or sensitivity to certain foods.
Use a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste.
Babies and children require special attention when it comes to dental hygiene, which means choosing products such as toothbrushes and toothpastes designed for their stage of development. In general, it is recommended to use extra soft bristles for the first three years of life.
After this period, it is necessary to incorporate a fluoride toothpaste that meets the requirements of the dentist you usually visit. As for the toothbrush, the dental hygiene process will be easier and more fun if you use a product that visually appeals to children based on their age.
Supervise brushing
A child’s toothbrush should have a small head, long handle and soft bristles, and should be changed every three months or if there is a noticeable change in its composition. If you want, you can also buy an electric toothbrush: an article published in the New York Times explains how they have been shown to be effective in encouraging good dental hygiene habits in children.
The whole process of dental hygiene should be closely supervised by an adult who can give instructions and correct brushing movements if necessary; remember that dentists recommend that the whole brushing process takes at least two minutes and is done twice a day.
Monitoring is necessary to avoid accidents or the use of products not suitable for the child’s age.
Avoid consuming large amounts of sugar
Avoiding the consumption of large amounts of sugar may significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. According to a recent study from the University of Washington Department of Dental Health, cavities are more common in children who consume sugary drinks, but good oral hygiene is essential to prevent cavities.
If you have any doubts about which products to use to care for childhood teeth, we recommend that you choose products specially designed for children and approved by the American Dental Association.