Preserving Your Child's Dental Health
If you are a parent, you may be concerned that your child's oral health could deteriorate over time. The preservation of the teeth is important, regardless of a person's age. In fact, without proper dental care, the teeth could deteriorate, requiring specialized diets and oral care. This can be especially trying for small children.
Some people feel that the health of the permanent teeth is more essential than that of the primary teeth. After all, the primary teeth are eventually shed and replaced. However, the state of the baby teeth can affect the wellbeing of the underlying adult teeth.
If a primary tooth incurs decay, the demineralization can spread to the permanent teeth that have not emerged from the gingival tissues. As a result, the adult teeth may grow in a compromised state and become increasingly susceptible to loss.
Nevertheless, there are ways to avoid pediatric dental decay. Here are a few measures that you can take to help preserve the health of your child's teeth and gums.
Brush and Floss as a Family
Instead of having your child clean their teeth alone, brushing and flossing can become a family affair. As you clean your teeth in front of your child, their understanding of proper oral hygiene techniques increases. They can observe the way that you brush, rinse, and floss. You can even set an alarm on your smartphone or kitchen timer to help ensure that the little one is brushing for at least two minutes per session. Additionally, they can see the importance that you place on the care of the teeth.
Choose Child-friendly Toothpaste Flavors
A child who brushes with adult toothpaste may find it difficult to endure the intense flavors of the product for two minutes while brushing. Many adult pastes are mint-flavored and can be irritating to the sensitive tissues in a youngster's mouth.
Thus, parents should often opt for a paste flavor that is designed for a little one's palate. Many kinds of toothpaste for children are available in candy-like flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, grape, and bubble gum.
Have Your Child Visit the Dentist at Least Once Every Six Months
Many dentists ask their pediatric patients to return every six months for a professional cleaning and routine examination. These appointments help ensure that the child's teeth remain healthy. Additionally, if the dentist does discover an issue, they are likely to find the problem while it is still in its early stages and can be easily treated.
To learn more ways to care for your child's teeth and gums, schedule a consultation with a dental practice like RTC Dental.
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