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Dental Care from Birth to Adolescence
Feb 28, 2023
Dental Care from Birth to Adolescence
Having sound dental health is vital for your child's overall well-being. Dental health habits should be instilled in children from an early stage to maintain proper oral hygiene in the long run. Read on to explore different dental care practices that can help your child maintain excellent dental health well into adulthood.
Why Are Early Dental Checkups Essential for Children?
The perfect time for your child’s first dental visit is when the first tooth appears, or at the latest, by your kid’s first birthday. Here are some reasons why early dental checkups are essential for children:
- It’s easier for your children to become familiar with their dentist if they’ve been visiting the dentist’s office since a young age. As a result, establishing healthy routines and behaviors becomes easier in the long run.
- Periodic checkups help in preventing cavities, infections, and other dental diseases from an early stage. This way, tooth decay can also be controlled, helping children chew food easily, speak clearly, and have a confident smile from the very beginning.
- Early dental checkups are also beneficial for parents since they provide guidance and instructions on how to care for their child's dental health.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay refers to the destruction of tooth enamel and may eventually lead to cavities, along with causing other dental issues in the long run. Building healthy habits from an early age is crucial to preventing tooth decay in children.
Here are several ways to prevent tooth decay in children of different age groups:
From Birth to Six Months of Age
Listed below are some steps you can follow to lessen or prevent cavities in the teeth of infants and young children.
- After feeding your baby, always clean their gums.
- Prop a bottle in your baby's mouth, and let them feed at their "own will" before bedtime.
- Babies often suck on their fingers, thumbs, or soft toys, which may be harmful for various reasons. By the age of 4, the majority of children stop by themselves. However, if your child is finding it difficult to let go of such habits, make sure you take them to the dentist as early as possible.
From 6 to 12 Months of Age
- Your baby's first tooth will appear between the ages of six and eight months. It's important to start brushing your child's teeth right away—by effectively implementing good brushing habits from age, you can help your infants and young children prevent cavities.
- After feeding, keep cleaning your baby's gums. Once a tooth appears, start brushing it with a child's toothbrush, which must have soft bristles. Avoid using toothpaste at this stage. Massage the gums as you do so.
- Talk to your child’s doctor about infant fluoride supplements if the water you drink is not fluoridated.
From 12 to 18 Months of Age
- By the time your kids turn one, make sure you've taken them for a dental checkup at least once.
- Keep using plain water to clean your child's teeth twice daily.
- Check your child’s gums and teeth for suspicious-looking tiny white or brown spots. If you find any of these white or brown patches that may be signs of dental decay, set an appointment with a dentist immediately.
- If you haven’t yet had a first dental checkup for your child, book an appointment immediately.
From 18 Months to the Age of 5
- Consider using a pea-sized (small smear) amount of fluoride toothpaste when your child is around two years.
- Ask your child to spit the toothpaste out—make sure your child does not swallow it by keeping a close eye on them.
- Ensure you teach your child how to brush their teeth properly. In general, children aren't going to properly brush their teeth on their own until they have proper hand coordination. By the age of six or seven, kids should be able to brush without parental supervision.
- Take your child to the dentist for regular dental examinations.
From Ages 6 – 12 Years
- During this time, your child's baby teeth loosen and are eventually replaced with permanent teeth. It is essential to practice proper oral hygiene during this age.
- Encourage your child to brush their teeth properly by using a mirror, so they can see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth. Also, encourage them to use proper brushing techniques to clean all the areas of their mouth.
- As toddlers get older, their dental hygiene habits change. The first step in maintaining good dental health is to use the right toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue wiper, and dental floss. Keep track of their changing habits and correct them if they’re doing it wrong.
After this stage, children tend to be more independent and self-sufficient, which is why encouraging them to build healthy dental habits from an early age is crucial.
Other Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
Ensure that your child has healthy eating habits. They shouldn't consume too much sugary food or beverages on a regular basis. This is because sugar converts into acid within 20 minutes of eating or drinking something, which can harm the enamel.
- Once the first tooth appears, refrain from feeding your baby too frequently, especially at night.
- By the age of 12 months, transition your child from a bottle to a cup.
- Make sure your child builds a habit of consuming tooth-healthy foods like leafy greens, nuts, milk, yogurt, etc.
Your children’s oral health is directly connected to their overall health. So it’s important to pay attention to their dental health and instill healthy habits from a young age. If you’re looking for an experienced dental team to take care of your kid’s oral health, book an appointment with
Patriot Family Dental today!
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Many people see their dentist only when they experience a toothache or other dental problems. However, this reactive oral health approach can be costly and painful in the long run. Regular dental checkups, on the other hand, are an investment in your overall health and well-being
People often explore various trends and fads in search of self-expression and beauty. Tooth gems are one such trend that has grown in favor in recent years. These are small jewels or ornaments attached to the surface of teeth, typically using dental adhesive. While they may seem like a harmless form of self-expression, there are several reasons why you should think twice before getting tooth gems.
With its constant pain and discomfort, a toothache can be an unwelcome interruption that disrupts our daily lives. Finding relief becomes an urgent priority, whether it's a dull ache, sensitivity to heat or cold, or sharp, stabbing pain. While the allure of natural remedies tempts us to seek solace at home, understanding when to transition from DIY solutions to professional intervention is paramount.
Did you know that experiencing persistent tooth pain often conceals a deeper issue—a tooth abscess? This occurs when a bacterial infection establishes a pocket of pus beneath the tooth, causing throbbing pain. These abscesses can develop in different parts of the tooth, including the soft tissue inside (the pulp), the root, and the gums.
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William Harris, DDS
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