It’s never too early to prepare your children for dental care

21-09-2021

Dentition

Teething is considered one of the first rituals of human beings. Although babies do not yet have teeth, their teeth begin to show when they are around six months old. In the first years of his life, all 20 baby teeth will come out through the gums and, by the age of 3, most children will have their full teeth. By the time a baby is around 6 months old, all four front teeth often push through the gums, although some children only have their first tooth when they are between 12 and 14 months old.

When their teeth begin to erupt, some babies become irritable, fussy, and sleepless, drool more often, or lose their appetite. When babies are teething, they usually don’t have diarrhea, fever, or rashes. Therefore, in case they experience such symptoms and they continue to be irritable and uncomfortable, consult your doctor.

First visit to the dentist

Once your child’s first tooth appears, schedule a visit to the doctor. According to the ADA, the first visit to the dentist must take place within six months after the appearance of the first tooth and not after the first birthday. Don’t put it off until when school is about to start or when there is a problem.

Teach your child to be comfortable with good dental habits. Usually during the first visit, the dentist will simply examine your child’s mouth to check for tooth development and to make your child feel comfortable. To make the visit to the dentist more favorable:

  • Schedule an appointment during the day for the children to rest well and cooperate.

  • Keep your concerns to yourself. Children can easily feel their emotions, so emphasize the positive aspects.

  • Never use a visit to the dentist to punish / threaten your child.

  • Never use a visit to the dentist as an outburst.

  • Talk positively with your child about going to the dentist.

On your visit to the dentist, expect the dentist to:

  • Examine for oral problems or cavities;

  • Reveal if there is any risk of developing cavities;

  • Clean teeth and give advice for daily care;

  • Talk about teething, pacifier use, or thumb sucking habits;

  • Discuss the necessary treatment and schedule the next appointment.

Fluoride

The mineral called fluoride is found naturally in all sources of water, such as lakes, oceans, and rivers. Sometimes it is also included in toothpaste, mouthwash, and a community tap water amount. Babies, as well as young children who don’t get enough fluoride, may be more prone to cavities because fluoride protects tooth enamel.

Fluoride also repairs weakened enamel. Since not all bottled water contains fluoride, children who regularly drink fluoride or tap water without fluoride do not enjoy its benefits. If you have questions about whether your tap water contains fluoride, check with your local or state health department or water supplier.

Pacifiers

It is quite common for babies and young children to suck on their thumb, finger, or pacifier. When a pacifier is dipped in sweet foods like honey, sugar, and sweetened juice, it can cause tooth decay.

Tooth decay can also start when saliva with bacteria that cause cavities is passed from the mother or caregiver to the baby. Also, when either of you puts the feeding spoon or pacifier in your mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *