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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

What Should I Do When My Child Gets New Teeth?

A child getting their first teeth or baby teeth is a cause of celebration for all parents. It’s a sign that your little one is now growing up. Along with the excitement comes the confusion of how to properly take care of your child’s teeth. Paying attention to the oral health of a child is crucial to their overall growth and development.

Not taking care of a baby’s teeth can lead to complications in their adult life. It can lead to toothache, difficulty in chewing or even tooth decay. Baby teeth are responsible for keeping space in the jaw for the adult teeth. This is why you should make certain that the teeth grow properly and aren’t lost too early due to neglect or improper care.
A few simple steps can help keep your child’s dental health up to the mark. Let’s look at them:

  • Cleaning the teeth as soon as they come in

The tooth buds should be cleaned with a soft cotton and water every time you feed them. When the tooth emerges more, switching to a soft toothbrush for kids and low fluoride toothpaste can help properly clean the teeth. Children require assistance for brushing up to a few years. Help them clean all parts of their mouth by brushing for around 2 minutes. Also, make sure that your child develops the habit of brushing their teeth at least twice a day.

  • First visit to the dentist

Visiting a pediatric dental office before your child turns one or just after they start developing their first teeth is crucial. This will help you properly track the development of their teeth. Professionals can also provide you with the best advice on how to properly take care of the infant’s teeth. They can also determine if there are any signs of decay or any cavities in your child’s teeth.

  • Floss

As soon as you observe two teeth touching, start with flossing to remove any remaining food particle from the mouth. Doing this every day can keep your child’s gum healthy. Help them develop a habit of flossing their teeth every day to maintain their dental hygiene.

  • Healthy diet

Watching the diet you give your child is important for their overall health. Using food that is low in sugar and has saliva friendly ingredients can contribute significantly to your child’s dental health. Limiting acidic and sticky food also prevents the enamel or the outer covering of teeth from damage.

Following these steps will guarantee that your child does not fall prey to severe tooth decay or other dental problems in the future.
Remember to keep a tab on the condition and growth of your child’s baby teeth. Regular visits to a dentist can help in keeping the tooth buds strong and avoiding any potential damage to the teeth. In case you notice any signs of tooth decay in your child’s teeth, immediately consult a dentist to avoid any major harm to the teeth.

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