| Caring for your toddler’s teeth |
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Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day – in the morning and before bedtime – it should be a part of their daily hygiene routine. Brushing at night before going to bed and after the last meal is very important – so don’t be tempted to allowing you’re children to have a bedtime snack, even if it is milk (water is exceptional). They should know that after they have cleaned their teeth, no more food is to go into their mouth until breakfast.
Importance of first teeth Some people and parents assume that because baby teeth are going to fall out in a few years, they don’t take any care of them. However, baby teeth are very important, for the reason that:
Using toothpaste Your toddler should learn to spit around 18-19 months, meaning that you can start using toothpaste for brushing now. Use a junior strength toothpaste until your child is about the age of 6. It is advisable to avoid junior toothpastes with a sweet and fruity flavour, especially if your child seems to be taking it in thinking it is food. Do make sure that you are using a suitable toothbrush for your toddler’s age which is of good quality with soft bristles.
Brushing their own teeth
Everyday when you are brushing toddler’s teeth hold him against you facing the bathroom mirror so they can see their teeth being cleaned. Let them play with their tooth brush while they watch you brushing your own teeth. Your toddler may be ready to brush their own teeth when it seems like they are interested in doing it themselves. Don’t hesitate thinking that they will swallow it – give it a go. Teach them how to rinse and spit, so that they don’t swallow toothpaste. Show them how to brush in small circles rather than left to right. As children are keen on doing experiments (especially behind their parent’s backs) it is a safe idea to supervise and also help them until they are about 6 years old. Supervising them will also let you observe if they are brushing their teeth properly.
What to do if child knocks out a baby tooth? If child accidentally knocks out a baby tooth, put it in a jar of cool milk and take it to the dentist (with your child of course) as soon as possible. Usually baby teeth can be replaced.
Sweets lead to tooth decay Avoid giving too many snacks between meals, especially if they are sweet drinks or fizzy drinks and other unhealthy food which can lead to tooth decay if eaten regularly. If you do give snacks in between, give savoury ones like fruit or raw vegies. If you decide to give juices, cordial or fizzy drinks, give it with some food because the saliva produced from chewing will help to get rid of the sugar hence neutralising the acids that cause tooth decay.
Visiting the dentist Children should have their first dental check up at 2 ½ - 3 years of age. Before this time, ideally you should take them along with you to the dentist when you have your own check up – this way they will get used to the environment and what happens there. Show your child a positive attitude and be relaxed talking about the dentist. Don’t use negative words or descriptions which will pass on feeling of fear or anxiety. Going to the dentist should seem like fun for children so that they are relaxed. It is best to choose a dentist who gets along with children well, and also makes them feel at home in the surgery. There are also special paediatric dentist who specialise in looking after children’s teeth in positive way.
What will the dentist look for?
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