Children’s Oral Health Month
Your child’s general health depends on their teeth. In honor of children’s oral healthy month we are going to break it all down for you. They assist your child with eating and speaking. Strong oral hygiene practices, taught by you and your dentist in St. Petersburg, help your kid develop excellent dental habits as he or she develops. Conversely, infection, illness, and other dental issues may all be caused by poor oral hygiene. It is important to schedule routine visits with the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL regularly.
Make Your Child’s Dental Hygiene Fun
-Allow kids to assist in the selection of their toothbrushes. For example, they may choose one based on their favorite color or character.
-Allow your child to assist in the selection of toothpaste. Then, they are free to choose their preferred taste and will be more willing to use it, explains Brian Leeson.
-Read literature or watch videos about dental hygiene and children’s oral health month.
-Set a timer to ensure that your children brush their teeth for two minutes. To help them keep track of time, play their favorite music.
-Reward kids who take excellent care of their teeth.
-Plan an activity after your child’s dental appointment with dentist in St. Pete.
A Path to Better Dental Health
Fluoride’s Function
Fluoride is essential for the oral health of your kid. It has been shown to minimize cavities in primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth. It also helps to strengthen teeth by hardening the enamel. Fluoride is found in most drinking water. Therefore, fluoride must be added to tap water in several cities.
Your youngster may need to take an oral fluoride supplement if your water does not contain fluoride. Consult your doctor to see whether your kid needs this treatment. When your kid first visits the dentist, they will get a fluoride varnish or a dental cleaning.
Too much fluoride may discolor your child’s teeth and damage their health. Make sure your youngster isn’t ingesting fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Follow all fluoride supplement directions.
Flossing and Brushing
Your child’s dental hygiene should begin when they are a newborn. Between ages one and two starts using a soft child-size toothbrush and clean their teeth twice a day with water. You may also use a tiny amount of fluoride-free toothpaste. This toothpaste is completely safe for your youngster to eat. You may switch to fluoride-containing toothpaste once your youngster is old enough to spit it out. Again, use just a little quantity. Teach your youngster how to distribute it evenly across their teeth, gums, and tongue. Ask your doctor or dentist to teach you how to clean your child’s teeth properly.
Until your kid is 7 or 8 years old, they will most likely require assistance cleaning their teeth. They can start using a bigger toothbrush around this time. Brushes should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Flossing is an important component of your child’s dental hygiene regimen. At least once a day, teach your youngster to floss. To make things simpler, you may purchase floss with a handle.
Ensure your child brushes their teeth before going to bed; after all, eating and drinking (excluding water) has been completed.
Cavities
Cavities are holes in your teeth that can grow over time. When bacteria (germs) grow up in your mouth, this might happen. Sugar in meals and beverages converts to acid, which erodes your teeth. Cavities are widespread in youngsters because brushing their teeth is more difficult. Everyone in your household should brush and floss their teeth regularly. Cavity-causing bacteria may be passed on to pregnant babies, infants, and children by people who have cavities.
Protection
If your kid participates in sports, they should use a mouthguard. If you need a custom-fit mouth guard, see your dentist.
There are many different types of teeth, from baby teeth to adult teeth. Baby teeth usually arrive between the ages of 4 and 7 months. The two bottom front teeth are generally the first to come through. By the age of three, children have almost all of their teeth explains Dr. Ari, pediatric dentist Murray Utah.
Baby teeth may fall out between 6 and 12 years old. As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come through, your kid will have a mixture of teeth. Your dentist will then discuss potential dental issues with you including braces, which are required for certain children.
When Children Should See a Dentist
Around age one, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises that children see a dentist. This allows the dentist to check for early signs of tooth decay in your kid. Pediatric dentists are experts in the care of children’s teeth. In addition, the dentist will discuss good dental hygiene with you.
Taking your kid to the dentist at a young age can make them feel more at ease. It also creates the positive habit of seeing the dentist on a regular basis. Every person should see the dentist at least twice a year.
Want to learn more about children’s oral health month? Be sure to contact our office today!