Experts explain best practices for healthy teeth

Tooth health: To maintain healthy teeth throughout life, children should be trained in healthy oral care practices as soon as possible. Here are some expert tips that may help.

Tooth health: children should use a small amount of toothpaste

Healthy teeth need optimal care early on. Caries and cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children. Untreated dental caries can cause pain and serious infections and can cause some problems. Parents usually ignore baby tooth decay. However, many do not know that caries on baby’s teeth can also affect permanent teeth and lead to future dental problems. To prevent tooth decay, some simple protocols need to be taken care of as soon as possible. Parents need to teach the importance and ways to maintain dental health. Dr. Mamatha BS gives tips on ensuring oral hygiene in children.

Dental Health: Oral Care for Children

1. For infants: Babies can develop a type of caries known as caries in early childhood. This usually happens when they are allowed to sleep immediately after giving something other than water. Powdered milk, normal milk, breast milk, and sugar in juices can collect around the teeth and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

From birth to about 12 monthsGently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft baby’s washcloth or gauze. When the first tooth appears, clean the surface with a baby toothbrush and water.

For children from 12 to 24 monthsUsing a child-sized toothbrush, apply a thin layer of fluorinated toothpaste. American Dental Academy Pediatrics recommends brushing twice a day after breakfast and before going to bed.

Also read: 5 Dental Secrets You Need To Know To Keep Your Pearly White Healthy

2. For children: At the age of three, children can start using pea-sized fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. Please tell me not to swallow. Too much fluoride toothpaste can cause white or brown spots on a child’s adult tooth.

Adult coaches are advised to help children hone properly
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The best way to protect your child’s teeth is to teach them good tooth habits. Although they may be enthusiastic, they have no control or attention when brushing their own teeth. Adult supervision is advised for children. Note the brown areas or white spots that may be signs of premature decay.

3. Brushing and floss: It is imperative to brush all surfaces of the teeth using a pea-sized fluoride toothpaste and brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush. Brushing should be done on all surfaces of the tooth in a circular or short back-and-forth motion. Brushing takes a minimum of 2 minutes on both upper and lower teeth. The toothbrush should be replaced every 2-3 months, or earlier if the bristles become loose. Used brushes should be cleaned and air dried to prevent bacterial colonization. Dental floss is another important part of a child’s oral care routine. Teach your child to floss at least once a day.

Also read: Oral Hygiene: Five Myths About Incredible Dental Care

4. Tongue scraper Helps to refresh your breath. They are available in metal/plastic material and some are built into the toothbrush either behind the head or on the handle.

5. Diet: Children who eat a lot of sweet foods and drinks (juices) are at an increased risk of tooth decay. It is important to choose healthy foods. Children should eat a balanced diet and skip snacks between meals. They need to develop a habit of drinking more water and reduce the consumption of aerated beverages.

Diet also plays a role in maintaining healthy teeth in children
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Visiting your dentist every 6 months is important for dental examinations, cleaning and topical fluoride applications to strengthen your tooth enamel and resist erosion and caries. If necessary, you can apply a dental sealant to your molars to prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating in the small grooves that the toothbrush cannot reach.

As a final point, it is wise to take care of your teeth. Do what you are preaching. Encourage your child with brushing and flossing together, it will be a fun bonding activity for you and your child.

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(Dr. Mamatha BS, Consultant Endodontist and Dental Practitioner, Vikram Hospital, Bangaluru)

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