10 Tips on Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth

You’ll be encouraged to arrange well-baby checkups from the moment your child is born to monitor their growth and development and assure their health. A family member or friend may have told you that your child should see a dentist when they turn one.

However, with everything else that comes with having a baby, dental health and development may not always be front of mind.

According to the dentist in Melbourne, your child’s overall health may depend on their teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to infection, sickness, and other dental problems.

Strong oral hygiene habits help your child develop good dental habits as they grow. That is why in this article, we’ll have enlisted ten tips to assist you in starting building a good foundation for your child’s dental health right now.

1.  No more bottles at bedtime

It’s no secret that sleep is a precious commodity for a developing baby. As a result, it’s tempting to put them to bed with a bottle of milk or juice and then leave them to sleep independently. The issue is that when sweets in juices or natural sugars in milk attach to teeth for a period, decay develops, often known as infant bottle tooth decay.

So, if you offer your child milk or juice before bed, try to follow it up with water or a damp towel to wipe their gums and teeth. Substitute the milk with water if you can’t break the bottle in bed.

2.  Take away the pacifier

The pacifier is another popular baby comfort item. When an overtired infant begins to wail, these lifesavers can help persuade them to sleep or prevent furious stares in public areas. They can be comforting to your baby, but they can also be harmful to their developing teeth.

Too much pacifier use might lead to tooth misalignment and worse dental problems later in life. This also applies to thumb sucking, which can disrupt alignment and the development of their mouth’s roof.

A Dentist in Melbourne recommends disposing of the bottle as soon as possible. As soon as it’s no longer nutritionally required to use a bottle, switch to a sippy cup.

3.  Start brushing early

It may seem unusual to clean your baby’s mouth before they have any teeth; it is, nevertheless, an essential step in creating a healthy dental hygiene practice. When your child’s mouth is pink, clean their gums with a damp cloth or your finger after each meal. Take out the toothbrush and start brushing as soon as that first pearly white appears.

To avoid your baby from swallowing too much fluoride, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and only use water first. Start with a small amount when you wish to introduce toothpaste. If you have a squirmy toddler, laying your kid down to brush may be beneficial.

4.  Make flossing a habit

Brushing your teeth isn’t enough; it is also recommended to use floss.

As soon as two teeth come into contact, flossing should begin, so, like how you explain to your child how to brush correctly, be sure to explain also how to floss properly and make it a part of your family’s daily routine.

5.  Be a role model

As a parent, you are expected to teach your child good manners and proper conduct. Use this opportunity to become a role model for your child. Ensure that you are following the guidelines of a Dentist in Melbourne for a good oral health care routine.

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time is as vital as flossing once per day. Let your child know the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth.

6.  Feed them a healthy diet

Choose fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products over high-sugar foods and beverages since you’re setting an excellent example as a parent. You can’t expect your child to eat carrot sticks and drink water while you eat chips and drink soda.

Fluoride should also be a part of your daily diet. While it’s not something you consciously consume, it’s a crucial part of keeping your mouth healthy.

Fluoride is a substance found in nature that helps to build your teeth’s enamel, making them more resistant to decay. Make sure you and your family are using fluoridated toothpaste and drinking fluoridated tap water.

7.  Watch for signs of development issues

Keep an eye on your child’s mouth development in the same way you keep an eye on their arms and legs development. This can include problems with the jawline, how and when teeth come in, or if your child has difficulty swallowing or chewing.

Give a call or make an appointment at a Dentist in Melbourne if you have any concerns regarding your child’s development.

8.  Make sure they have proper protection during activities or sports

When your child becomes more active and joins sports teams, you’ll need to have the appropriate equipment, which frequently includes protective gear. Remember to look after their teeth.

Ensure your child is wearing a mouthguard if engaging in contact sports. Your child’s safety isn’t only limited to sports. Outdoor activities can be too. So, before engaging in any activity, make sure your youngster is aware of the safety regulations.

9.  Know what to do when they lose a tooth

If your child loses their teeth, help them understand the process of losing and gaining their permanent teeth. As the guardian, know how to care for the tooth appropriately, make calls, and ask for dentist assistance.

If you cannot restore the tooth in your child’s mouth, place it in a clean container with milk, saliva, or saltwater and take them to the dentist right away.

10.   Find a kid-friendly dentist

Children should begin receiving dental treatment around the age of one. A Dentist in Melbourne can assist you, and your child in developing healthy habits at a young age. They can also assist you in overcoming your tooth brushing and flossing challenges so that you can help your child establish the necessary dental hygiene habits.

And, of course, these are just some of the tips on taking care of your child’s teeth. Make sure to ask for assistance from professionals if you can no longer handle the issue.

Author’s Bio: Leila Brent, A freelance writer in Melbourne Leila is a new mother who has a strong passion for writing. Writing has allowed Leila to be with her newborn, but also to communicate her passion for writing everyday.

She specialises in retail based copy, and has plenty of experience communicating how good products are to the right buyers. For more of her Blogs visit Castle Jackson.

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