Taking proper care of toddler teeth and training them to form a sense of good oral habits are important health issues for parents. They should form a habit brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and regular visits to the dentist. Regular visit to the dentist is important from age two because the doctor can make sure proper development of teeth and instruct the parents about proper dental care and hygiene.
The kids should be made to understand that dentists are there to help them maintain good oral health and regular visits to them is a good habit. Such positive attitude will prompt them to consult dentists as long as they live.
The first baby teeth begin to appear when the kids are about 6 months and by age three the process stops. During this period most kids face teething irritation or pain. Home remedies such as frozen teething rings are helpful to relieve the pain. Consulting a dentist is also helpful for expert advice and medication.
Children up to age six need parental supervision while brushing. The paste should have enough fluoride as approved by the ADA. Only a pie sized paste is enough in the beginning and make sure that the kids spit out all the foam after brushing without swallowing any. Soft bristled brushes are good for kids. Start with gently brushing the surface and then the chewing surface of each tooth back and forth by angling the bristles to the gum-line.
Although sucking reflex is normal, it is unhealthy if it is continued during and after eruption of the permanent teeth between age 4 and 7. It will affect the teeth positioning and deformities, such as buck teeth, and hamper the proper development of the mouth and jaw. Other problems such as biting discomfort, early wear and decay of teeth, and so on can occur in adulthood.
The habit of finger sucking could be discouraged by positive methods such as praising the kid when s/he is not sucking or gently correcting any anxiety that prompt some kids to suck. Other methods are bandaging the finger or consulting your doctor for a bitter tasting ointment that can be applied on the finger. Putting on a sock over the hand at night also helps.
Posted on May 24th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Dental care, Toddler
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