Many parents struggle to determine how much dental care their children need. They understand the need for cavity prevention, but they aren’t always sure how to do it. Here are some pointers and recommendations.

What Age Should Children Begin Brushing Their Teeth?

Dental hygiene starts even before a child’s first tooth shows. It doesn’t imply that the teeth aren’t there because you can’t see them. Teeth begin to develop throughout the second trimester of pregnancy. Your kid gets 20 primary teeth at birth, with some completely grown in the jaw.

Before your baby begins teething, wipe the gums with a clean, wet towel to remove dangerous germs.

Brush your baby’s teeth using an infant toothbrush as soon as they appear. Use water and a little amount of fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth (about the size of a grain of rice). Use fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). (If you’re using fluoride-free baby toothpaste, keep the quantity the same since you still want to avoid swallowing any toothpaste.)

When Should Kids Start Brushing Their Teeth?

You may start flossing between your baby’s teeth when two teeth contact.

Around the age of two, your kid should be able to spit while cleaning his teeth. If you give your kids water to swish and spit, they are more likely to ingest toothpaste.

Children aged three and above should only use a pea-sized quantity of fluoride toothpaste, and children under the age of 8 should always be supervised when brushing since they are more prone to swallow toothpaste.

When Should Your Child Visit a Dentist?

According to the American Dental Association, children should visit a Children Dental Indianapolis IN by their first birthday. The dentist will discuss correct brushing and flossing procedures and do a modified exam while your infant sits on your lap during this initial appointment.

These checkups may help identify issues early on and help children get used to coming to the Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN, reducing their anxiety about attending as they become older. Take your youngster to a Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN who specializes in children’s dentistry. Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN are specially educated to deal with various difficulties relating to children’s oral health. They also know when to recommend you to a specialist, such as an orthodontist to fix an overbite or an oral surgeon to realign your jaw.

Suppose a kid seems to be at risk for cavities or other issues. The dentist may begin administering topical fluoride even before the teeth have erupted (this may also be done at the pediatrician’s office). Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel, which helps prevent dental cavities, the most prevalent pediatric oral illness (also called dental caries).

How Can Cavities Be Prevented?

Cavities develop when germs and food left on the teeth are not cleaned away after eating. Acid builds up on a tooth’s enamel, weakening it until a hole — or cavity — appears.

Here’s how to avoid cavities:

• Establish healthy dental hygiene practices at a young age. Teach your children to wash their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss regularly.
• Make sure you’re getting enough fluoride. Fluoride hardens the enamel, making it more difficult for acid to enter. Although many cities mandate fluoridation of their drinking water, some do not. Ask your dentist about fluoride supplements if your water source isn’t fluoridated or your family drinks filtered water. Fluoride is found in most toothpaste, but it is not enough to safeguard a child’s teeth. Too much fluoride, on the other hand, might cause tooth discoloration. Before augmenting, see your Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN.
• Some foods should be limited or avoided. Cavities are caused by sugary meals, liquids, and sweets (particularly sticky gummy candies, gummy vitamins, fruit leather or “roll-ups”). If your children consume these items, encourage them to rinse their mouths or brush their teeth afterward to remove the sugar. Taking sweetened liquid medications is the same way: always have youngsters rinse or brush afterward.
• As your child’s permanent teeth emerge, the dentist may assist prevent decay by placing a thin coat of resin (known as a sealant) on the rear teeth, which are used for most chewing. This barrier prevents germs from collecting in the molars’ hard-to-reach fissures. But make sure your kids understand that sealants aren’t a substitute for thorough brushing and flossing.

What Kinds of Dental Issues Can Occur?

If you have a history of dental decay or gum disease, your children may be at greater risk. Even the finest brushing and flossing routines can’t always prevent cavities. If your kid complains of tooth discomfort, it might indicate that they have a cavity that needs to be treated.

Pediatric dentists now have more filling and repair choices because of new materials. Most fillings in permanent teeth used to be made of a silver-colored material called amalgam (a particular blend of metals). Other materials, such as composite resins, are currently gaining popularity. Resins adhere to the teeth, preventing the filling from popping out and may also be used to repair teeth that have been damaged by accident or disorders such as a cleft palate. Resins are more appealing since they are often tooth-colored.

Dentists often use stainless steel or ceramic crowns in situations of fracture, significant decay, or deformity of an infant’s teeth. Crowns help keep the tooth in good shape while preventing the deterioration from spreading.

A dentist may propose general anesthesia in certain rare cases, generally when a more sophisticated dental operation is required. Before consenting to the operation, parents should ensure that the person administering the drug is a skilled anesthesiologist or oral surgeon. Don’t be hesitant to question your dentist.

Regular dental exams and proper oral hygiene might help you avoid the need for major dental treatment. Encourage your children to use a mouth guard during sports to avoid major oral damage.

Looking Forward

Plan periodic dental visits for your children as they grow, ranging from once every three months to once a year, depending on your dentist’s recommendations. Good dental health may be achieved by avoiding sugary meals, promoting frequent brushing and flossing, and working with your dentist.