Keeping a child’s mouth healthy begins at birth, and parents are responsible for looking after their child’s teeth and gums. Managing a child’s dental issues from infancy to adolescence helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and many other problems. This guide will help you understand the practices you can implement for maintaining your child’s smile.
Why Is Early Dental Care Important?
It is a common misconception among parents that baby teeth don’t need much attention because they eventually fall out. However, during their life span, primary teeth help a child learn how to speak and chew and aid in positioning the permanent teeth. Failing to take care of oral hygiene at an early age can lead to dental problems later, such as misaligned teeth and infections of the gums.
When Should Your Child First Visit a Dentist?
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and pediatric dentists, a child should visit a dentist for the first time after their first birthday or later than 6 months after their first tooth has erupted. Early visits also help:
- Recognize decay as early as possible.
- Mark anticipated steps for maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Get your child used to the dental environment so they are less anxious for next time.
- The process of choosing the right dentist in Cambridge
Choosing the ideal Cambridge dentist for your kid is necessary to guarantee a pleasant dental visit. Look for a pediatric dentist or a more family-oriented dental practice like Dental Art Clinic, where children’s dentistry is the focus and a friendly environment is provided for kids.
Implementing Oral Hygiene Routines
Dental Care for Infants (0-2 Years)
- After feeding, clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or a damp wipe.
- When the first tooth comes in, brush it with a small soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice to avoid “baby bottle tooth decay.”
Toddler and Preschool Dental Care (2-6 Years)
- Inspire brushing at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste in the amount of a pea.
- Make sure all the teeth surfaces are adequately cleaned.
- Begin flossing for children whose teeth make contact with each other.
- Cut down on sugary snacks and sugary beverages that cause cavities.
School-Age Dental Care (6-12 Years)
- Instruct your child on how to brush and floss properly.
- Include tooth-friendly foods such as dairy, leafy vegetables, crunchy fruits, and even vegetables to help with a nutritious diet.
- Make sure that dental visits are scheduled twice a year for checkups.
Prevalent Dental Issues in Children
Tooth Decay
Cavities are unsightly holes in the teeth. As a child, one of the most averagely experienced issues involving dental care is cavities. These sores are caused by a lack of proper child dental care practices, including regular cleaning and visits to the dentist. Thus, for appropriate child dental care, children must be taught to brush, floss, and visit the dentist properly. Sealants and fluoride treatment can also prevent cavities.
Gum Disease
Because of inadequate dental care, what starts with simple issues can escalate to become even has stage two gingivitis in early childhood. This form of sore disorder also involves signs such as inflammation of gums, which leads to the child having red gums and pus coming out of the gums or sometimes the gums oozing blood, providing a validating sign showing further deterioration. Brushing effectively goes a long way in preventing gum disease from getting worse.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding teeth at night becomes a reality for a lot of children both during the day and even at night; in addition to bruxism, thumb sucking has also started becoming an everyday activity for many children. Grinding of teeth often struggles to resolve itself, which may be identified easily using a nightguard. In this regard, if your child exhibits signs of bruxism, consult a dentist in Cambridge for evaluation to further determine possible treatment options.
How to Make Dental Care Fun for Kids
Every child loves having fun, and kids have always shown difficulties when it comes to oral health and routines. Here are a few steps that can help turn dental care Festive:
- Let them be the ones to select the toothbrush type and even the flavour of the toothpaste.
- Construct systems reward they can achieve through a brushing chart.
- Encourage reading or watching videos concerning oral health, which helps reiterate its significance.
Understanding the Responsibilities of a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist is a specially trained professional who cares for children’s dental needs. At Dental Art Clinic, we provide:
- Cleanings and fluoride treatments are part of our preventive services.
- Fillings are done with the most advanced, child-friendly techniques.
- Thumb-sucking and pacifier habit management.
- Monitoring the orthodontic health of children for proper teeth alignment.
What is Included in the Dental Visit of a Child
A pediatric dentist visit typically entails the following:
- Gentle cleanings are done to remove plaque and tartar from the school-aged child’s teeth.
- An examination of the mouth with an inspection of the teeth for cavities and other problems.
- Providing a fluoride treatment to strengthen the child’s dental enamel.
- We will teach the child proper flossing and brushing techniques. We will also address issues surrounding the child’s diet or other relevant habits.
Regular visits to a Cambridge dentist will ensure your child’s oral health is taken care of and any issues are dealt with promptly.
Kids’ Nutrition and Oral Hygiene
Nutrition. A child’s diet directly affects his/her oral hygiene. Remember these suggestions when it comes to dental nutrition:
- Substitute sodas and juice for water.
- Add cheese, milk, and yogurt to their diet.
- Offer crunchy vegetables and fruits that help remove plaque from teeth.
- Candy, fruit snacks, and gummies should be avoided because they are both sugary and gummy.
How To Avoid Increasing Dental Anxiety In Young Children
Here are a few strategies that can help reduce the prevalence of dental anxiety in children:
- Begin scheduling dental appointments as early as possible to develop comfort.
- Employ constructive phrases when talking about the oral health of a child.
- Provide entertaining resources like cartoons or books that portray good dental care.
Consider a kid-friendly dentist in Cambridge, such as the ones at Dental Art Clinic. They are wonderful at dealing with young patients and do so with care and love.
At What Age Should Children Get An Orthodontic Examination?
Most specialists will begin performing orthodontic examinations around the age of seven. Possible indicators that a child has improperly aligned teeth may be:
- Teeth that overlap or are out of alignment.
- Problems with biting or chewing.
- Loss of baby teeth sooner or later than the standard.
- Thumb sucking during the later preschool years.
If you think your child might need orthodontic treatment, a consultation with a dentist in Cambridge can guide you in the right direction and help form a treatment plan.
Why You Should Keep Your Child’s Oral Health Your Priority
Paying attention to and caring for your child’s teeth from a young age will prepare them to smile brightly throughout their lives. Good dental hygiene practices, like frequent dental visits and a mouth-healthy diet, are part of proper dentistry for children.
Dental Art Clinic offers professional pediatric dentistry services if you need a reputable dentist in Cambridge. Make sure to book your child’s appointment so that we can keep their smile healthy and bright.
If you’re unsure about why to choose a pediatric dentist for your child’s dental care, read our latest blog.
