Though primary teeth, also known as baby or milk teeth, will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, they require the same care and attention as the latter. This means parents should start good oral hygiene practices for their children when they are still babies. The following are some practical tips for parents.
Cleaning Babies’ Gums and Teeth
Many babies cut their first teeth at around seven months. And this is when oral care should commence. Wrap a clean handkerchief or washcloth around the finger and gently use it to rub the baby’s gums and teeth. Delay using a soft-bristled baby toothbrush until the baby is around 12 months old. There is no need to use any toothpaste yet at this age. Plain water is just fine.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the use of low-fluoride toothpaste specially developed for children only after the age of two or three. Teach the child to spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
Brushing Toddlers’ Teeth
Some children can learn to start brushing their own teeth when they are about two years old. As these young children still haven’t got the dexterity to brush their teeth properly until they are about eight, brushing their teeth will have to be a joint effort between parents and kids for the time being.
Teach a child to brush by standing behind her in front of a mirror. Tilt her head back slightly. Then show her the correct movements by holding her hands as you brush. In total, the tooth brushing session should last for about two minutes. Remember to change the toothbrush every three months or when the bristles appear frayed. Frayed bristles are not only ineffective at removing dental plaque, they can also hurt children’s gums.
Brushing Teeth Correctly
Brush the top teeth downwards and away from the gums, making sure the brush gets right to the back of the child’s mouth. For bottom teeth, brush them upwards and away from the gum. Again, make sure the brush goes right to the back of the mouth. Brush the biting and grinding surfaces of back teeth to and fro gently. Also, brush the top and bottom as well as the inside and outside of gums in small circular motions. Avoid side-to-side brushing as this can damage both teeth and gums.
Getting Toddlers to Brush Teeth
The task of brushing teeth for a full two minutes may not appeal to toddlers. It seems like an eternity to some of them. The Australian Dental Association offers the following ideas to keep them interested and occupied:
- Play the child’s favorite song or sing nursery rhymes for two minutes when she brushes.
- Use a junior battery-powered toothbrush as children are naturally drawn to something different.
- Give a reward whenever the child successfully brushes for two minutes.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Apart from brushing teeth twice daily, parents should also take the child to her first dentist visit at 12 months. By the time she’s two-and-a-half, she should have regular dental check-ups every six months. Parents should also limit snacks between meals to three to four times daily and avoid candy and sweet beverages as much as possible. Additionally, parents should not let children fall asleep with a bottle. Ideally, encourage the child to drink from a cup as she approaches her first birthday.
Children should start good oral hygiene practices from infancy. Cleaning the baby’s teeth and gums properly; teaching her to brush correctly when she’s older; finding ways to get her interested in brushing her teeth as well as taking her to see the dentist every half yearly are just some ways to help her start good lasting oral care practices.
Found this article useful? Read also How to Prepare for a Child's First Dental Visit.
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