A child’s teeth are precious and children need to be educated in to how best take care them. These tips will help any parent to ensure that their child adopts good dental care routines that will last a lifetime.

1. Dental care begins before birth
As unlikely as it might seem, a child’s teeth are almost fully formed by the time they are born and thus, dental care must begin in the womb. Teeth begin to form between the third and sixth month of a woman’s pregnancy, and, in order to ensure the dental health of the child, she must be eating the right kinds of foods such as fortified cereals and greens.

2. No milk during the night
Don’t put your baby to bed with any liquid other than water. Fruit juice and even milk both contain acids that can decay your child’s teeth, especially if they’re drinking it throughout the night.

3. Baby’s first dental appointment
A child should be taken to the dentist by its first birthday to verify general dental health and be checked for tooth decay and early signs of cavities. The dentist will also be able to identify your child’s fluoride requirements and advise you as to helping your child grow up free of cavities.

4. Toothpaste should not be used for children under two years old
Brushing with a small amount of water should suffice in keeping your child’s teeth healthy up to the age of two. From then on, toothpaste may be introduced but only in small quantities ie. a portion the size of a pea.

5. Teach your child to love brushing
Most children learn to brush at the age of six or seven. An adult should help at the start and make the experience a fun one. One way to do this is by using flavored toothpaste. The taste and appearance of a toothpaste or even a colorful or themed toothbrush can make brushing a fun experience for kids, making them more likely to want to brush regularly and for longer periods of time.

6. Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch
Flossing is important even if you are only dealing with baby teeth. Nothing prevents harmful bacteria like flossing. You should introduce flossing as soon as two teeth in your child’s mouth touch. Floss for them regularly until they are old enough to start doing it themselves.

7. Take an active interest in the dental care being given to your child
It is important to keep tabs on what medications your child is taking, whether they have any allergies and what their treatment plan involves. If you don’t understand, ask questions.

8. A healthy diet leads to healthy teeth
As obvious as it sounds, it is important to remember that sugary foods lead to cavities and rotten teeth. If your child is inclined to snack between meals, make sure the snacks are nutritious.

9. Use toothpaste with fluoride
Despite the bad publicity, fluoride makes teeth more durable and less likely to decay. You can even buy fluoride tablets- they’re great, even for kids whose drinking water has added fluoride.

10. Braces should be considered sooner rather than later
Orthodontia, or braces as they are more commonly called, should be considered early. Starting early means it is less likely that permanent teeth may have to be removed.

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Tags: children, Dental Care, dental tips