Special attention and care are needed to ensure the health of a child’s teeth and gums. Encouraging good dental hygiene in the early years of a child’s life makes a huge difference later in life. A positive dental routine will help your child avoid dental emergencies and develop good oral health.   

Most parents are clueless about taking care of their child’s teeth. Some common questions they might have are:

  • At what age should I help my child start brushing their teeth?
  • How often should I take my child to the dentist?

In this post, we will answer your common queries related to your child’s dental health. Let’s take a look.

A child’s teeth are at a higher risk of decay from the moment they start coming out. A decaying tooth in the early years of a child is nothing to worry about as the tooth will eventually fall out. But when a child loses their teeth due to poor dental routine, it affects their ability to grow permanent teeth correctly. It also increases the risk of permanent teeth coming out with an infection. So it is a must to try these tips while your child is growing a set of teeth.

1.   Be Mindful with Thumb Sucking and Pacifier

Thumb sucking and pacifiers are common habits in children. If you are not mindful of these habits, it can do serious damage to the developing shape of your child’s teeth and mouth. Make sure to stop this habit of sucking on a thumb or a pacifier till the child reaches 3 years of age. However, if your child uses a pacifier, follow these tips:

  • Don’t coat the pacifier in honey, sugar, or anything sweet
  • Don’t clean the pacifier with a cloth or your mouth
  • Wash the pacifier regularly
  • Do not let the child suck on the pacifier while they are asleep

2.   Take Care of Baby Gums from Day One

A child’s dental care begins even before they start growing teeth. Make a habit of wiping your baby’s gums after each feeding. Give them water to drink after they are done eating. Avoid giving soft drinks as the chemicals in soft drinks affect the dental health of a child.  

3.   Take Your Child to the Dentist Regularly

According to the experts at the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, parents should start taking their child to the dentist 6 months after they start teething. Going to the dentist early may help avoid any dental problems early on and help the parents get a clue about the best possible care they can provide their child. Dental checkups twice a year are enough to ensure oral health.

4.   Brush Your Child’s Teeth Twice a Day

Once a baby’s teeth have grown, brush your child’s teeth twice a day. Use a special infant brush with a small pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. You can also help your child to start flossing their teeth once they reach 4 years of age. Brushing and flossing regularly will help your child develop a nice set of teeth and healthy gums.