It’s difficult to understate the importance of oral health in the early years.
Not only do baby teeth act as ‘placeholders’ for adult teeth – not to mention playing a crucial part in maintaining a healthy diet – but without good oral health, even speech development can be arrested.
Make no mistake: While they will eventually fall out, it’s still very important to take care of baby teeth.
Five steps
The Ministry of Health recommends five key steps to maintain your child’s teeth:
- Brush teeth twice a day
- Have regular dental check-ups
- Lift the lip every month to check for signs of tooth decay
- Choose healthy, tooth-friendly snacks
- Drink water and avoid sugary drinks
Brush twice a day
Even before teeth appear, you should clean your infant’s gums daily with a clean washcloth or gum massager. Once teeth come in, switch to a toothbrush. Remember, teeth are vulnerable to cavities as soon as they appear.
Tooth decay is easy to prevent. Brush teeth twice a day with a regular strength fluoride toothpaste (only use a smear). Use a small-headed toothbrush with soft bristles. Children’s mouths are sensitive, so be gentle, while making sure to brush each surface of the tooth, and gums too.
Best times? After breakfast and before bedtime.
Maintain diets low in sugar and organise dental checkups from an early age.
Regular checkups
Prevention is the best form of treatment, so visit your dentist early and often. Remember: Your child is entitled to free oral health care until they turn 18 so make the most of it. Need an appointment? Book online here.
Check, please
It’s important to catch tooth decay early. Once a month, lift your child’s top lip to check for any early signs of tooth decay. White lines along the gums can be the beginnings of tooth decay, with mora advanced decay appearing as brown spots.
If signs of decay are present, contact your dentist for a dental check-up.
Choose healthy snacks
Diet also plays an enormous part in overall health in general and oral health in particular. Offer healthy tooth-friendly snacks such as crunchy vegetables and fruits. Limit sugary and acidic treats. Here are some of our favorite foods for healthy teeth.
Choose healthy drinks
Skip the soda out for water and your child will thank you for it later.
Good luck
Caring for a child’s teeth – and instilling good habits around hygiene early – is not a difficult undertaking, but it is one that requires patience and consistency.
Lots of encouragement and love can’t hurt either.
Any questions? We love to hear from you! Contact us here.