As per every experienced paediatric dental expert, parents are responsible for establishing healthy oral habits in their kids at an early age. As per dentist at AK Global Dent, Best Dentist in Gurgaon, ‘Parents should understand the significance of paediatric dental care and follow proper child dental care tips so that their kids don’t have to face dental problems at a young age and can lead a healthy, happy life.’
In this blog, we will be disclosing 10 essential paediatric dental health facts/ things which every parent must know about to ensure effective maintenance of their child’s oral health. These things can be considered as our useful suggestions to parents for protecting their kid’s oral health.
1. The worth of baby teeth
Although baby teeth will eventually fall off and be replaced with permanent adult teeth as a child grows older, maintaining healthy baby teeth is necessary in a child’s development. A child can eat properly, keep space in his/her jaw for permanent teeth, and speak clearly with baby teeth. If baby teeth are not properly cared for, there could be dental issues that would further affect the health of permanent teeth.
2. Initiate early dental care
Taking care of oral health must commence soon after the first tooth erupts in the child’s mouth. Even before teeth come in, parents can keep their child’s gums clean by gently wiping their gums with a soft, damp cloth. After teeth come in, parents can start gently brushing their teeth using a soft bristle toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
3. Significance of first dental visit and regular dental check-ups
Every parent must schedule a first dental appointment for a child with a paediatric dentist as soon as their child turns 1 year old or within 6 months of their child’s first tooth appearing and thereafter don’t skip on yearly dental visits. The chosen dentist must be good at handling dental fear/anxiety in kids and fostering a child-friendly atmosphere. With the first dental visit, a dental care home can be established for the child and dental carries can be avoided.
During regular paediatric dental visits, the dentist in Gurgaon could monitor the child’s dental development, check on early signs of any dental problems with the child, practice preventive dental care including professional teeth cleaning, and provide tailored dental care tips for the child.
4. Role of fluoride in dental care
Fluoride is a mineral essential for keeping the teeth strong and healthy. It is naturally present in the enamel of the teeth and acts to keep teeth resistant to acid attack from dental plaque. Its source includes fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash, and local water supply/tap water. As a parent, it is important to ensure that the child’s teeth are getting enough fluoride, what toothpaste to choose, and what amount of toothpaste to use to brush the teeth of the child.
5. Important aspects of a child’s dental hygiene routine
When kids are old enough to not swallow toothpaste, it’s their parent’s responsibility to instruct them on correct bruising techniques and supervise them until they learn to brush properly on their own. Furthermore, when kids are aged between 2 and 6, parents must introduce and promote daily flossing.
6. Diet plays its part in the oral and overall health of a child
One of the reasons behind children having dental caries is their consumption of sugar-loaded or starchy meals and drinks. As a parent, it is important to encourage the child to have a well-rounded, healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and dairy products as well as drink fluoridated water. This way, the child’s teeth can stay strong and healthy and so his/her general health.
7. Need to avoid thumb sucking and pacifiers
Young kids often have bad oral habits like thumb sucking and use of pacifiers which could over time affect the teeth alignment and mouth growth and development. If kids aged above 3 years are still habitual to thumb sucking and use of pacifiers, you need to make your child no longer have such a habit which you can do so by taking paediatric dentist help.
8. Mouthguards are used for playing contact sports
If your kid is active in sports, it’s important as a parent to purchase custom made mouthguards provided by a paediatric dentist for him/her. Mouthguards protect against injuries or trauma to the lips, inner cheeks, palate, teeth, and gums.
In case of dental emergencies like a severe toothache or knocked out tooth of a child, parents must know how to handle the situation, provide required first aid, and immediately take the child to an emergency paediatric dentist. For more details on dental emergencies or Orthodontic Treatment in Gurgaon, one can visit the leading dental clinic for people of all ages at AK Global Dent.
9. Additional dental care considerations to cater to special child needs
Parents must be aware that every child is unique and if their kid is special, they must seek dental care for their child from a paediatric dentist holding experience in handling dental cases of children with special needs. Such a dentist can provide specific care and advice to ensure the child maintains good dental health. Proper at-home dental care and regular dental visits to a paediatric dentist are essential for kids with special needs.
10. Making dental care fun for the child and setting a great example for the child
Parents must make their kids learn how to care for their oral health through a play-way method. To encourage their child to practise a good oral hygiene routine, parents must do the same. Kids usually imitate the actions of their elders or parents. By brushing and flossing together with their child and adding fun to this daily routine, parents can help their child instil good oral habits.
To make dental care fun for the child, parents can let their child choose their toothpaste and toothbrush; use a timer or a fun song to play while brushing to make sure brushing is over in 2 minutes; and give rewards for maintaining their brushing routine. Watching videos or reading about dental care can also help kids be more engaged and serious about the dental hygiene regime and prioritise it as they grow old.
If you are searching for the best paediatric dentist near you, visit AK Global Dent, Best Dental Clinic in Gurgaon. We have the best dental team holding decades of experience in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind of oral health issues in kids. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.