There is no better time to begin teaching proper good oral hygiene than at a young age. If good habits are formed early in life, children are more likely to stick to these good practices.
Children start to lose their baby teeth at about six years old. From this age, children will begin to grow their adult teeth. Once the permanent teeth come out, it needs proper care as they can no longer be replaced, and parents play an influential role in maintaining proper oral health.
Below are the expectations that you can prepare for as soon as their first adult teeth start to come out.
- There is a chance that the child will lose a bit of weight. When their teeth loosen up, it will be difficult for them to chew their food, ultimately losing their appetite.
- Loose teeth are sensitive. It is therefore essential to assist your child in his or her brushing routine so as not to disrupt the teeth-cleaning habits you have worked so hard to establish.
- Allow loose teeth to fall out on its own. Forcefully pulling them out can cause pain, discomfort and even infection.
To maintain good dental health, here are some of the most critical rules every parent should live by.
Always Avoid Sugar Whenever Possible
Most parents say that there is no way to do this. But even if kids love sweets, parents have the last say whether they get a treat or not. Introducing sugar to your children is not just risky for their health, it can also aggravate bacterial growth.
The pathogen mainly responsible for this problem is called Streptococcus mutans. As the bacteria digest sugar, they produce an acid that can attack your child’s teeth enamel. When this process is not prevented, dental caries can quickly develop.
Sugars are found in almost everything we eat and drink. But refined sugar creates the worst damage. It is advised that parents regulate foods like cookies, chocolates, and candies. Even packaged fruit juices contain a lot of refined sugar. As an alternative to dessert, fruit slices are less damaging.
Eliminate Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers
The action of thumb sucking is normal for babies. Although providing a pacifier to babies soothes them, you must never put honey, sugar or corn syrup. This can lead to cavities. Thumb sucking is a behavior that parents should monitor. Train them to use pacifiers instead as sucking the thumb as it is a difficult habit to get rid of.
As soon as your kids hit two or three years old, it is time to throw away the pacifiers. If children continue to suck their thumbs, you must see a one of the best dentists immediately to find solutions to the problem. Prolonged sucking affects the growth of a child’s jaws and the alignment of teeth. This issue must be addressed right away before it causes many oral problems.
Make Brushing Teeth A Habit
Even before an infant has his or her first tooth, you must start cleaning their mouth using a clean wet cloth. It is also important that you guide your kids on how they brush their teeth. Since their motor skills are not yet refined, assisting them while they brush their teeth will help gain the dexterity needed to brush their teeth all on their own.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, or when the bristles start to fray. Avoid family toothbrushes from touching one another to reduce the risk of transferring decay-causing germs.
Always air-dry the toothbrush after use and never share one to the other members of the family. As for the toothpaste, you only need to use a pea-sized amount. For younger children who do not know how to spit yet, make sure to buy appropriate fluoride-free toothpaste.
It is encouraged by dental professionals that children get their first dental visit before the age of three, or as soon as their first teeth appear. It does not just foster good oral care habits, but it also eliminates the fear children usually have on dentists.