You may feel a little scared when you feel that the little angel in your hands may hurt, and the baby’s teeth are among the most confusing things. But don’t worry, it is much simpler than you might think. You just have to help your child clean his/her teeth starting from the time he/she grows to keep their mouths healthy. Also, want to make sure that your baby’s milk teeth are healthy and durable enough to last until all of their permanent teeth grow.
Here are some important habits you may need to know about your baby’s teeth grow, and how you and your little can get through this exciting new stage…
When Should You Schedule Your Children’s First Trip to the Dentist?
Don’t be lazy! It may sound early, but don’t hesitate to see the dentist six months after the baby is born, and before his first birthday (The expected time to sprout a tooth).
Then, with 2-5 years old. Even if you know that the milk teeth will be replaced, do not ignore visiting the doctor once every six months. That is because a baby’s teeth greatly affect his health in general. They may be a good environment for bacteria to grow in and cause the child many diseases or bad breath, or it may prevent him from feeding well and greatly affect his growth.
From the age of 10 years to the age of 13 years, you must take great care of your child’s teeth against breaking. Especially at this stage as they engage in a lot of activities that cause harmful impacts or injuries. So, you must see the doctor constantly, and pay close attention to the shape of the teeth, as they may need to be corrected (i.e., the use of braces or Invisalign) to be treated as soon as possible.
How do I Clean my Child’s Teeth?
It’s a no-brainer, you have to wash your hands well before brushing teeth for babies less than two years old.
Then, clean your child’s teeth with sterile gauze or a toothbrush with water without using toothpaste. This is important because a healthy eruption of teeth requires healthy gums.
For kids between 3 to 5 years old, it is very important to prevent tooth decay, so you have to pay attention to several basic points:
- You have to start using children’s toothpaste twice a day. Which has to have a low level of fluoride, and has several flavors such as strawberry and banana so that the child loves it.
- Pay attention to how much toothpaste you apply so that it does not exceed a pea.
- Take care that your child doesn’t swallow the toothpaste.
- It is difficult but necessary to prevent the children from the habit of sucking or using softcore and to keep them from eating sugary foods and soft drinks.
With 6 – 9 years old children, it is known that your child will lose his/her milk teeth and replace them with permanent teeth, and your baby’s teeth are sticky. So, start using flossing to clean them well.
At What Age Can Your Child Brush Their Teeth on Their Own?
Again, clear advice seems to be that up to the age of two, you are the one in charge of cleaning your child’s teeth.
After that, at the age of 3 to 6 years, the child can brush his teeth but make sure to watch closely whether he is doing it correctly or not. You have to help him until he is old enough to learn how to use the brush or floss on his own.
Regarding flossing, even if your child is physically able to brush his teeth on his own, you should continue to supervise and help until they reach the age of ten. This way, you can make sure that they clean the floss well and get the areas between each tooth every time they clean the floss without causing any fearful bleeding.
How Should You Clean Your Child’s Teeth the Best Way Possible?
If you fear that your child will hurt when you clean his mouth, confused about how to hold him in your arms, or afraid of using the toothbrush in the wrong way…
Do not worry! It’s great to try the following routine when brushing your children’s teeth:
- Stand behind your baby so he/she feels safe. Seeing your baby’s mouth, caressing him/her, and singing with him a little in front of the mirror is fun too.
- Put your baby’s chin in your hands, and place his head on your body.
- The bristles of the toothbrush should be directed at an angle to the gum.
- Move the brush in gentle circular motions to clean the outer and inner sides of the teeth and gums.
- Brush back and forth on chewing surfaces.
- Don’t forget to gently clean your baby’s tongue.
- Next, encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste, rather than swallow it.
- When your child starts brushing his teeth on his own, do not leave him/her directly, you have to stand by him/her and supervise his cleaning.
- If your child is a teenager and wears Invisalign, you must first remind him to remove it before brushing his teeth.
When Should You Go for Teeth Correction Methods?
The most important thing that you can do to take care of your child’s oral health and growth is to take him to see the child’s dentist regularly. Your pediatric dentist will be able to track your child’s developing teeth and can even spot and treat problems before they turn into bigger problems.
There are some signs of orthodontic problems as early as the age of 5 or 6, while no signs of other problems appear until the age of 12 or 13.
Symptoms of the orthodontic problems:
- Irregular, early, or late with the loss of the child’s teeth.
- Pain when chewing or biting.
- Crowded or clogged teeth.
- A jaw that constantly turns or makes noise when moved.
- Teeth not aligned or touched at all.
- Baby biting cheek a lot.
A great sense of pride when you find your child responsible, aware of the importance of brushing and taking care of his teeth every time.
