How to Look After Baby Teeth
Teething is often a challenge for both baby and parents, and is associated with sleepless nights.
It is important to know that looking after children’s teeth begins with the first baby tooth. Oral hygiene is key to the overall health of a young child, regardless of whether he or she is still only on liquid food.
Sometimes parents mistakenly believe that dental hygiene is only necessary for permanent teeth, or after more baby teeth have erupted. This is not the case, as dental health also affects gum health, eating and chewing.
What kind of brush should be used
At the beginning, you don’t need to use toothpaste. However, mechanical cleaning is important. For very young children, you can use a soft brush that you place on your finger and clean the plaque. Later, soft children’s toothbrushes come into use.
Creating a routine
Personal example is the best ally in creating a routine for a child. He or she will probably want to do what adults do, so most often it is sufficient to demonstrate how we brush our own teeth after eating.
Ideally, teeth should be brushed after each meal or at least twice a day, and brushing them after the last meal of the day is most important. After the teeth are brushed in the evening, the child should not consume anything but water, so that no deposits of food, milk or juice remain overnight. This, of course, does not apply to babies who still have night feeds.
If the child is not able to brush their teeth well, it is good to show them how to do it better with circular movements, or to help them. After brushing, the teeth should feel smooth when touched with the tongue.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes in maintaining oral hygiene in young children are:
- neglecting the hygiene of baby teeth;
- skipping the evening brushing;
- consuming food, milk or another drink (except water) after the evening brushing;
- using a very hard brush or a toothpaste the taste of which would put off the child;
- missing a preventive examination.
Regular visits to a paediatric dentist are key – do not miss them so that you can receive important guidelines on how to look after oral health.