5 Tips to Protect Your Child's Dental Health

Posted on: 25 May 2018

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Every parent wants to protect their child, but knowing how to look after an infant's dental health is not always easy. Kids have particular oral health needs to which parents must attend. Here are five tips to protect your child's teeth as they grow up.

1. Clean Children's Gums

Even before your baby develops teeth, you need to keep their mouth clean to keep bacteria at bay. As soon as your baby is born, clean their gums with a damp cloth after every feed to remove traces of milk.

2. Protect Your Child From Bottle Cavities

Giving your toddler a bottle of milk when you put them down to sleep can help them to settle, but it is also bad for their teeth. Milk contains natural sugars, which encourage the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. If your baby sucks on a bottle containing milk or any other kind of sugary drink while they sleep, their teeth will have a long exposure to sugars. Give your child water at night, and give other drinks only during feeding times.

3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste on Children's Teeth

Some parents worry about the effects of fluoride on children's health. While it's true that consuming large quantities of fluoride can be dangerous, the amount used to clean teeth is safe. Fluoride strengthens enamel, which could reduce the risk of cavities.

Family dentists recommend using a small smear of toothpaste to clean children's first teeth. For children who are at least three years old, increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized blob.

4. Use Mouthguards to Protect Sporty Kids' Teeth

According to a study published in 2014, roughly 13 percent of all oral traumas that occur in children are caused by sports. Getting hit in the face with a ball, bat, elbow or knee can lead to tooth loss, which can have a massive impact on a child's life. A custom-fit sports mouthguard can protect your child's teeth, allowing them to safely participate in sports.

5. Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

Dentists recommend that all children see a dentist before their second birthday. During this first checkup, the dentist will check the development of the teeth and look for signs of gum disease or tooth decay. Throughout childhood, regular dental checkups can help to catch any developing problems and provide appropriate treatment. Select a family dentist with experience of putting children at ease to give your child a good first experience of professional dental care.