As a parent, it is extremely important to understand the teething pattern of both primary and permanent teeth. Proper care and maintenance of baby teeth is imperative to ward off common dental problems and the responsibility lies solely with the parents. Deciduous teeth start appearing as early as 6-8 months of age, usually in the form of bottom two front teeth. A total of 20 baby teeth erupt in the mouth by 3 years of age. By the time the child is 6 years old, primary teeth start falling off making way for the permanent ones, which continue to erupt until the child is about 12-13 years old.
IMPORTANCE OF BABY TEETH
- They aid in speech and chewing of food
- Stimulates growth and development of the jaws
- They act as space maintainer for upcoming permanent teeth
PARENT GUIDE FOR ORAL HYGIENE MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD
- 0-6 MONTHS: Clean the mouth with soft piece of cloth after feeding
6 months-18 months: Use wet finger brush without any paste (After baby teeth erupts in the mouth) - 5 years to 3 years: Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with rice grain sized non-fluoridated toothpaste (To avoid accidental swallowing)
- 3 years- 8 years: Supervise child’s brushing with pea sized fluoridated toothpaste
TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE ORAL HYGIENE MAINTENANCE A FUN AFFAIR FOR YOUR KIDS
- Explain the importance of brushing to your kid as early in life as possible.
- Please tell them that they can relish all the chocolates, ice-cream and savouries if their teeth are strong and germ-free. Neglecting oral hygiene will restrict consumption of their favourite food items.
- Buy them a toothy stuff toy and ensure timely brushing of the toy by your child. This will act as a constant reminder for their own brushing regimen.
- Always ask your child to choose their toothbrush depending on the preferred size, shape, colour or character. Give them the liberty to decide and help them feel empowered in the whole process.
- On that note, go shopping again if the toothbrush bristles get frayed or the child gets sick or is simply been used for more than 3 months now.
- It is important to allow the child to decide their own toothpaste depending on the colour, flavour of texture.
- ALWAYS brush twice daily along with your children while playing a song or dancing to a tune. Children love to emulate their parents, and nothing beats setting up a good example for them.
- Alternatively, talk to your child about your day while they are brushing. This bonding time will help you supervise their brushing and distract the child by concentrating on your conversation.
- Play fun animated videos on your phone or tablet displaying their favourite characters brushing- Peppa Pig is an instant hit! Using cartoons as a positive motivator is always a full proof plan to leave an imprint on a child’s mind.
- Definitely try out a colourful 2-minute sand clock to give them the sense of desired duration of brushing teeth on all sides. Focusing on the sand flowing distracts the child and breaks the monotone of brushing activity.
- Reward young children for proper brushing instantly by serving their favourite breakfast. For grown-up kids, set up a brushing chart on the bathroom door to keep a track of their brushing record.
- Lure the child with tempting offers like a movie, zoo visit, play zone, picnic, house party or simply purchasing their desired toy, to motivate them to brush twice daily.
- Give your child a healthy diet and restrict sugary treats during mealtimes.
- Always teach them to rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after every meal.
FIRST DENTAL VISIT
According to American Dental Association, the first dental visit should be before the child’s first birthday. With toddlers, plan a role play enacting a dental visit, before taking them to a dental office. It is advisable to carry your child along in your own dental appointments in order to expose them to the concept of dental checkup. The first few appointments should always focus on orienting the child with the dental staff and equipment in a pleasant environment.
HABITS DIE HARD
Let’s instill the right ones at the right time at the right place for your budding stars.
Dental Panache, most child-friendly dental clinic in Gurgaon, specializes in “First Dental Appointment” for children by making it a memorable and fun experience for them. We are committed to raising a generation who is not afraid of visiting a dentist.