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Healthy teeth are important for your child’s overall health, aiding in eating and talking. Developing strong oral care habits early on helps prevent infections, diseases and dental problems such as cavities. Although cavities are common in childhood, they can be prevented with proper brushing, flossing, reduced sugar intake and regular dental checkups. Baby teeth or primary teeth are essential for speaking, smiling and eating and also act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If baby teeth fall out too early, this can cause the remaining teeth to move into unwanted positions, resulting in crooked permanent teeth. Ensuring good oral hygiene from an early age lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits and can prevent dental problems in the future. (Also read: 6 viral dental myths busted: Separating fact from fiction for healthy teeth ,
Dental care tips for children
Dr Arun, BDS, Senior Dental Consultant, Fortis Hospital Richmond Road, Bengaluru shares some tips with HT Lifestyle to maintain your child’s dental health at its best.
1. Start cleaning your baby’s mouth even before he has teeth. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe his gums after feeding.
2. Schedule your child’s first dentist visit by his or her first birthday or within six months of the first tooth emerging.
3. Once the teeth emerge, start brushing them twice a day with a small soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for infants and a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6 years old).
4. When your child has two teeth in a row, start flossing his teeth. This helps remove plaque and food particles between the teeth.
5. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and water.
6. Make sure your child gets enough fluoride to strengthen his teeth. This can be through drinking water, toothpaste or a fluoride treatment from a dentist.
7. Get regular dental checkups every six months. This helps in early detection and treatment of potential dental problems.
8. If your child is involved in sports, make sure he wears a mouthguard to protect his teeth from injury.
9. Do not let your baby sleep with a bottle filled with milk or any sweet liquid. This can cause tooth decay.
10. Children often imitate their parents. Show them that you take your oral health seriously by brushing and flossing regularly.
11. Make brushing and flossing a fun activity. Use toothbrushes with children’s favorite characters, play their favorite song while they brush, or use an app designed to encourage children to brush properly.
12. Teach your child about the importance of oral hygiene and how to take proper care of their teeth. This is called the tell, show and do technique.
13. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants, which are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay.
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