Why Pediatric Dental Care is Important
You want to do everything you can as a new parent to ensure that your child has a happy and healthy future. Many parents of young children are unsure how to care for their newly erupted teeth. Your baby's oral health necessitates attention and effort, but it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. You'll be able to provide better care and spot growing difficulties sooner if you learn the basics, which will benefit you and your baby.
How important are baby teeth? Although baby teeth are just temporary, they serve as a foundation for your child's oral health growth in the future. Taking care of your baby's dental health starts while they are still in the womb. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all pregnant women get regular cleanings and exams during their pregnancy to avoid periodontal disorders like gingivitis, which can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.
When do teething problems normally begin? Each child's dental development is individual. Some newborns can be late teethers, while others can be early teethers. You can expect the front teeth to normally come first, say between the ages of 6 and 8 months.
You can clean your baby's teeth at home by gently removing plaque from the gums and teeth with a damp towel or gauze pad after feeding. This is normally accomplished by sitting with the baby's head in your lap or by placing the baby on a safe, flat surface. To remove all of the plaque, make sure you can see inside your baby's mouth.
Here's what you should know about bottle-feeding at night. The use of a baby bottle with sugary drinks when putting them down to sleep is one of the leading causes of cavities in infants. Fruit juice and other sweetened beverages are well-known promoters of tooth decay, but milk (even breast milk) contains enough sugar to encourage the growth of germs and cavities. Instead of milk or another sweetened beverage, use an empty bottle or a pacifier.
How safe are Sippy cups for babies and toddlers? After the bottle, kids will graduate to a sippy cup until they’re ready to drink from standard cups. Keep in mind that a sippy cup is merely a short-term training aid, not a permanent answer. Sippy cups should be phased out by the time your child turns one year old. What matters is what goes in the sippy cup. If you offer your child sugary drinks throughout the day, the mouth will be coated in a sticky, syrupy material, which will create a rich breeding ground for germs that cause cavities and gum disease. Rather, take the opportunity to encourage your youngster to drink as much water as possible. Offer milk and juice as a modest treat every now and then.
Dental care for mothers should also continue after the baby is delivered, as mothers with poor oral health who are breastfeeding run the risk of passing hazardous bacteria to their children. Mothers should be extra vigilant about their teeth and gums. Here are some tips to help maintain their teeth and gums:
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Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
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Make use of an excellent mouthwash.
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Fluoride toothpaste should be used.
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Sharing eating utensils, drinking cups, or food is not a good idea.
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Consume a healthy, sugar-free diet.
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Use a chewing gum that is sugar-free.
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Keep up with your dental cleanings on a regular basis.
Do what you can to make your child's first dental visit a happy and pleasurable experience. Explain everything you can to your child if they understand what's going on since this will lessen the odds of acquiring dental anxiety.
Avoid words like "pain," "needle," "fear," "hurt," "drill," "injection," and other words that your youngster will link with unpleasant emotions while discussing the dentist. Early on in your child's life, it's critical to instill pleasant memories and associations.
Pediatric dentistry clinics see a lot of little children and newborns, so they appreciate the importance of making a good first impression on them. They build trusted ties with their young patients while also educating and encouraging them.
It's vital to build a good relationship with your dentist from the start. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all suggest that your child sees a family dentist during their first year. Preventive dental care and regular checks reduce the likelihood of having dental problems later in life, and they become accustomed to the routine and establish better oral hygiene practices.
Essentially, proper oral health is important for people of all ages. You may ensure that you and your baby can share healthy grins and giggles for a long time just by paying close attention to your child's oral health and setting a good example with your own dental care routine.