Toddlers, like adults, require special attention to keep their mouth, gums and teeth clean and healthy. Hygiene of the mouth should start much before the first tooth appears. The gums should be regularly wiped with a soft wet cloth so that the tooth can emerge at a clean place when it chooses to appear.
Proper care of the teeth should start as soon as the first tooth appears because as each tooth emerges it immediately becomes susceptible to decay due to sugar contents in milk, fruit juices and formula food. The following tips would ensure proper care and hygiene of the mouth, gum and teeth and make these vital parts always healthy.
A regular checkup with the dentists is as good a habit as brushing twice a day. The kids should see a dentist as early as possible after the first tooth appears, or within age one. The dentist can check how the cleaning at home is working, and also monitor and fix any problems at the initial stage. This checkup should continue at regular intervals. And gradually, the visits will become a habit with the kids and they will continue to visit the dentists on their own after they have grown up.
Only a pea sized amount of paste is required for kids under age six, and the brushing should be done under supervision else they swallow the paste, which could be harmful. Saliva helps to clean the mouth and teeth, but while the kids are asleep little saliva is produced. Hence, it is necessary that they brush their teeth before bedtime. This will remove all sugar, food particles and bacteria from the mouth.
Other than brushing and regular visits to the dentist, regular flossing also keeps the teeth healthy. This norm should be practiced by the whole family to have a bright smile. Such practice help nip any harm in the bud as the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
Fluoride toothpaste is the best option for brushing. The brushing should be done not only for the teeth but also for the tongue, that too, at least twice a day and also after every meal. This will help to get rid of harmful plaque and bacteria that cause cavities, gum diseases and foul breath.
Gum diseases are the result of plaque which usually remerges within 24 hours of cleaning. Baking soda is an effective medium to naturally whiten the teeth. Some toothpaste such as Arm & Hammer has sufficient baking soda formula content with micro polishers. These are capable of penetrating even the tiniest cavities, between the teeth, along the gum lines and gently remove the stains and particles to give you sparkling teeth and healthy gums. These ingredients also neutralize bacterial acids that cause foul breath and provide long-lasting fresh breath.
Posted on May 31st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Dental care, Toddler
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