Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums
For partners, seeing that first tooth appear in your child’s mouth is an enticing and happy experience in life. Most kids lose their baby teeth in a particular order. Baby teeth usually are discarded first around the age 6 when the incisors, the middle teeth in front turn loose. Molars at the back are ordinarily shed somewhere between ages 10 to 12 and are replaced with permanent teeth when your child reaches the age of 13.
Generally, kids try to wiggle their teeth loose with their fingers or tongues. They are highly eager to hide them under their pillow for the ‘tooth fairy’ to come and reward them with something in exchange for their broken tooth. If your child requests you to pull out the already loose tooth, make sure to grasp it securely with a piece of tissue or gauze and remove it with an instant twist. However, if a primary tooth is not loose enough on its own, your child’s dental expert will recommend extracting it properly.
Keep in mind that your child may lose his or her baby teeth by decay or accident too early, which can lead to permanent teeth erupt prematurely or come in crooked due to restricted space. You can teach them to avoid putting their tongue close to the loosening tooth or touching it. According to dental experts, almost 30% of their cases start with the premature loss of baby teeth.
Brushing & Flossing: You need to assist your children while brushing until they are between ages 7 to 10. Even if their intentions are good, they may not have the ability to clean their teeth efficiently. Preferably, the teeth should be brushed adequately within five minutes to 10 minutes after eating or drinking. For long-term oral health, your children need to care for their gums too. Make sure to teach them how to floss daily, ideally once a day to avoid gum problems in adulthood.
Frequent Dental Checkups: As a parent, it is your responsibility to get your little ones frequently dental check for cleaning and X-rays as suggested by your dentist. You may choose to use a pedodontist, a dentist with unique expertise and skills in children’s dentistry. Make sure to book regular preventive appointments to reduce your kid’s chances of ever undergoing severe dental treatments. Also, consult your respective dentist when your children complain about a toothache or discomfort. Such pain could be a sign of a decayed tooth that can’t be ignored.
Preventing Cavities: In some cases, a dentist may also recommend employing sealants on your kid’s molars. These thin plastic coatings can prevent plaque from collecting and trapping in the pits and fissures of the teeth. They are successful in preventing cavities and cost-effective too.
Make sure to take proper measures to maintain your children’s oral hygiene from a young age. You shouldn’t ignore their dental health at any cost as it can invite other problems and hinder their healthy lifestyle while growing up.
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