As your dentist Yonge Newmarket has likely already explained, children have specific needs when it comes to dental care. To promote the development of healthy teeth, prevent cavities, and avoid gum disease, there are a few things you should be doing.
Develop Good Brushing Habits
You need to start an oral hygiene routine before your child’s first tooth even erupts. Develop a routine of cleaning your baby’s mouth with a damp washcloth to remove bacteria from the gums. Once your child’s teeth start appearing, brush them twice a day with an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste.
Never Put Your Child to Bed with a Bottle
Milk and juice contain sugar that can damage the enamel of teeth. Falling asleep with a bottle leads to a condition called bottle mouth, characterized by pocked front teeth. In severe cases, your child may develop cavities and need the teeth removed.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Your child should have already seen a dentist by the age of one. After this, schedule checkups every six months and additional appointments if you have any causes for concern.
Restrict Unhealthy Foods
Limit your child’s intake of candy, fruit leather, and other sugary foods. After eating any of these, drinking juice, or taking sweetened medicine, make sure that the child rinses his or her mouth with water.
Provide Your Child with Enough Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects teeth from cavities. In addition to toothpaste, your child can receive fluoride through drinking water. Find out about the level of fluoride in the water in your area. If it is insufficient, ask your dentist about fluoride treatment. At the same time, be careful to avoid too much fluoride, as this can lead to discolouration of the teeth.
Make sure that your child is receiving optimal dental care by visiting a Newmarket dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry. Book an appointment at Keep 28 Dental Centre today.