7 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Oral Health
Beside eating, teeth are crucial for speech and essentially forms the structure of the face. Baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth have an important role in speech development. Words have sounds that require our tongue and lips to interact with our teeth. As children start learning how to speak, proper pronunciation is vital, and so properly developed teeth are crucial.
As a parent it is vital to take care of your child’s teeth. In the following we discuss seven important things you need to know about caring for your little one’s oral health. You may have many questions, like when to make their first dental appointment, or how to teach them to brush their teeth. At De Necker Dentistry we are invested in your whole family’s oral health and want you to take the measures to ensure your child’s teeth are in the best condition.
1. When to schedule your child’s first dental appointment
Your child’s first dental visit is important, not only to get their teeth checked but also to allow your child to become comfortable with dentist visits.
It is advised that you make the first dental appointment at 12 months, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. It will most likely not be the most pleasant experience for your child but luckily the appointment will only last 30-45 minutes.
We suggest that you take your kids to the dentist biannually. So getting your child used to visiting a dentist early on, is important for them to grow accustomed to the experience and it will prevent dental issues as your child grows.
2. What causes tooth decay in children
Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth enamel and when this happens cavities may form and will cause pain. Generally tooth decay is caused by bacteria. It can happen when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth.
We recommend limiting your child’s intake of sugary processed foods, especially before bed. The combination of bacteria, food, acid, and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
3. Thumb sucking may affect tooth alignment
Thumb or dummy sucking is a completely natural reflex. Many infants and young children suck on a variety of objects for a sense of security or to fall asleep. However, the frequency, duration, and intensity of sucking can determine whether dental problems may occur. Usually these habits stop between the ages of two and four but prolonged sucking may impact oral development.
A child’s sucking habits can affect the proper growth of teeth. Passive thumb sucking, where the thumb is merely resting in the mouth, is less likely to disrupt tooth alignment than vigorous thumb sucking. However, active thumb sucking with a lot of motion can cause damage to primary (baby) teeth. This usually corrects itself as the permanent teeth come in however, persistent and vigorous thumb sucking can at times, cause misalignment of your child's permanent teeth and affect the jaw or the shape and roof of the mouth.
4. How to brush their teeth
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first teeth appear. You will have to do it for them and start with a baby toothbrush and water. If by the age of two your child knows the difference between spitting and swallowing, you can start brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
As your child starts getting more independent you will want to have already instilled an effective tooth brushing routine, follow these steps to make it easier:
Hold the toothbrush against the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
Move the toothbrush gently back and forth in small strokes.
Brush the outer, chewing and inner surface of the tooth.
Brush each individual tooth during every brushing session.
When you finish brushing their teeth, brush the tongue from back to front.
Try make this experience as fun as possible, get a toothbrush in a bright colour or with their favourite cartoon character on it.
5. Kids can floss too
Once your child’s teeth begin to touch one another, plaque and other bacteria may be hard to remove with just brushing. To prevent cavities between the teeth, you should teach your child to floss daily. Here are some tips:
Take about 30 cm, or 18 inches, of floss and wind most of it around both middle fingers. Hold the floss with the thumbs and index fingers and use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth.
Curve the floss into a C-shape and guide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth. It’s important to be gentle to avoid gum damage. Do the same for each tooth.
Flossing can be tricky for a child and they may need your assistance for some time. However, the more you practice this, the easier it will be and will become a part of your child’s routine.
6. Know when your child can brush their own teeth
Your child can learn how to brush their own teeth at about 3 years of age and should be brushing their own teeth morning and night by age 4. You will have to supervise and check for proper cleaning.
By 8 years of age, your child will probably no longer need your help. It is important that your child make brushing a habit, as this limits tooth decay and helps prevent cavities.
Set a good example. Children imitate their parents. If your child sees that you don't brush, don't seem to enjoy brushing, or do it too quickly, he or she might do the same.
7. Baby teeth fall out naturally
A child's baby teeth usually start to loosen and fall out to make room for permanent teeth at around age 6. However, sometimes this can be delayed by as much as a year. The first baby teeth to fall out are typically the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) and the two top front teeth (upper central incisors), followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.
Baby teeth usually stay in place until they are pushed out by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely as a result of tooth decay or an accident, a permanent tooth might move into the empty space. This can crowd permanent teeth and cause them to come in crooked.
It's important to start practicing good oral hygiene as soon as your child's first baby tooth erupts. As your child starts to lose his or her baby teeth, reinforce the importance of proper dental care.
Final words
As a parent it is very important to make sure you take care of your child’s oral health. Not only do you want your child to have the confidence to smile and be happy but keeping their teeth healthy and cavity free plays a pivotal functional purpose. Children eat better and talk better with a set of healthy, well-kept teeth.
At De Necker Dentistry we believe that you should know about the best practices for your child’s oral health and want to make sure they learn to love their smile. Contact us today and book your child’s first dental appointment. Start practicing these tips and teach your child excellent oral hygiene habits.
