Take good care of your child’s teeth. Even though they ultimately fall out, they help the child in developing their speech, confidence and in assisting the permanent teeth to come into the right position. Oral care for children can be challenging for the dentist as well as the parent. Children need special attention as they are not aware of the importance of good oral hygiene. At Niddrie Dental Clinic we make sure your child’s best interest is kept in mind while treating them.
Oral care for children’s teeth
A thorough explanation is given of what the issues are, and how they can be rectified. The Dentist will also discuss with you on how to manage the issue better and to avoid them from recurring in the near future. In most cases, there may be more than one option to tackle the problem, and our dentists will provide a detailed explanation of all options, costs, and any risks that may be involved.
Even before the first tooth arrives, their gums must be cleaned every day either with a clean damp gauze or washcloth. Once their teeth start erupting, you can clean them using a soft toothbrush twice a day with no toothpaste up to 18 months of age. After that, use a kids toothpaste in pea-sized amounts.
Regular visits to the dentist for children are very important not only to fight decay, but it also helps the dentist diagnose early cases of misalignment of teeth. The dentist can keep a track on the erupting sequence of your child’s teeth to predict the need for further preventative or interceptive work that may be needed.
Your child’s first visit
This visit determines how the child will feel about going to a dentist for the rest of his/her life. Which is why we are suggesting that their first appointment be at a time when they don’t need any emergency dental work done. We prefer that you make your child’s dental appointments in the morning, when they are fresh and happy.
Your child’s first visit should ideally be before his or her first birthday.
On their first visit, the child gets the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the dental setting and to get comfortable with the dentist and dental assistant. This visit will only be a brief consultation where the dentist will show the child his instruments such as the mouth mirror that will help him count their teeth.
Tips to follow for a healthy mouth in children.
- Healthy food is key to teeth development.
- If your baby is teething and is in agony give them carrot sticks or teething toys to bite on. This helps in soothing sore gums.
- Avoid frequent snacking as it is this frequency that can cause your child’s tooth to decay.
- Help your child brush their teeth till the age of 8-9 years. Make sure you check your child’s teeth after they brush each time.
- Disclosing solutions can be used to evaluate the child’s brushing efficiency as well as help them identify the areas that they have missed out.
- Use a toothbrush designed especially for children.
- Rinse their mouth after meals and especially after they have had sticky liquids like cough syrup.
- Get regular check-up with the dentist even if they are not in pain.
My dentist suggested Fissure sealants for my kids. Do they really need them?
Pits and fissures are naturally occurring groves on teeth which sometimes may act like harbouring grounds for bacteria. Food especially that are sticky are not easily cleanable from these areas.
Pit and fissure sealants can be the best first fillings that your child gets as there is no use of the dental drill. However, it simulates an environment similar to while getting a filling. Moreover, regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene and Fissure sealants may also mean that they never need a filling!
