Good oral health is important at all ages, even for children. Most parents tend to overlook the dental care need of their children, which may lead to dental complications when they grow up. The sooner children start getting their regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives. Regular dental checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can later lead to pain, tooth loss, or other medical issues. Children with healthy teeth and gum chew food easily, speak clearly and have the best smile!
Pediatric dentistry is not only about the children’s smile, it’s also about educating the youngsters about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, give them a positive dental experience and boost their confidence. It also helps parents understand how to care for their children’s teeth. Pediatric dentists see many children with cavities that came from falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. Having regular visits to the dentist may keep parents up to date with these tips so they can take care of their children’s oral health with ease.
Good oral hygiene starts as early as infancy. Parents can wipe down the gums of their children with gauze or a soft, wet washcloth before any teeth erupt. Once teeth begin to come in, keep them clean with a proper set of tools for babies, such as toothbrushes specifically designed for babies – which will have a much smaller head and softer bristles. Children over 6 months old can benefit from fluoride, it will help protect their first set of baby teeth and prevent their future adult teeth from decaying by building healthy enamel. Parents can ensure the baby’s fluoride intake by buying a fluoride-rich baby toothpaste. If the baby can’t spit out the toothpaste, parents should supervise the brushing process thoroughly and prevent the baby from swallowing a large amount of toothpaste. A small amount of toothpaste is okay to swallow, swallowing too much could be dangerous. Parents can also get their kids to drink fluoridated water instead of fluoride-rich toothpaste, which will limit the fluoride intake.
There are many more things that you can follow to make sure your baby gets a perfect smile. Your pediatric dentist will let you know about all these upon checking your baby’s oral health. Make sure the babies get their first dental visit by the age of 1 year.
Our team at Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre loves kids. Our goal is to create pleasant experiences for your children – even for highly anxious and special needs kids. Book an appointment with Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre today for all your children’s dental needs and ensure their perfect oral health throughout their lives.