Tips To Improve Your Kids Dental Hygiene

Remember that moment when you spotted a tiny, white eruption in the frontal gums of your baby? You would have squealed with happiness seeing your baby’s first tooth! As much as it gives joy to parents seeing their baby finally develop teeth, the journey leading up to it is never smooth. Your baby may have suffered bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and not to forget those innumerable sleepless nights due to gum pain, which may have led you to believe that a bunch of teeth are on their way out! So, it is some sort of relief mixed with happiness when you see the first tooth eruption. However, what you might have thought as a finale is in reality just the beginning of a new routine in the baby’s life – maintaining oral hygiene.

What’s all the fuss about, you may wonder, about those tiny little teeth, especially since your baby’s diet largely consists of milk, an occasional ounce or two of juice, and infant cereal if your baby is over 6 months now? Plenty, that is, if you really wish healthy teeth for your kids. Here are a few tips to improve your kid’s dental hygiene in the long run:

In This Article

1. Massage Gums Regularly

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This is something you should start much before the first tooth appears. When you realize that your baby is getting cranky a bit too much and this could be due to teething problems, massaging his/her gums gently helps relieve the associated pain to a larger extent. It also helps soften the gums to prepare them for tooth eruptions. Once the first tooth appears, you may not think much about it, but the fact is those tiny pearls are vulnerable to tooth infections, or probably more. For starters, cleaning the little tooth and gums with a clean finger after feeding any type of sweetened liquid or solid cereal helps a lot. You could also use a clean damp cloth for this purpose provided you cleanse the cloth hygienically if you intend to reuse it. However, strictly avoid using any kind of oral anesthetics unless prescribed by a pediatrician.

2. Gentle Brushing

Agreed that the ‘milk teeth’ are not permanent, however, maintaining a good dental hygiene will ensure the next set of permanent teeth do not contract an infection from unclean or infected gums after the milk tooth falls off. Definitely, a baby’s tender tooth cannot be subjected to harsh brushing. Therefore, start with a gentle toothbrush first. Apply slight pressure while brushing and avoid toothpaste completely in the beginning; you may eventually start with a pea-sized amount later. Regular brushing will help dislodge any infectious deposits on the teeth.

3. Keep Looking Out For Infections

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Make it a regular habit to check your baby’s mouth every now and then for any suspicious-looking discolorations. Since a baby’s diet is largely sweetened, they are more prone to infections. There may also be occasions when your baby may not be his/her usual self and avoids feeding. Make sure you visit a dentist promptly to rule out any chances of tooth or mouth infection.

4. Cut Down On Cavities

Cavities are generally caused by prolonged or increased exposure to sweetened products. During the weaning phase, when you are experimenting with pacifiers, formula milk bottles or water sippers, you may encourage the baby to try other modes of feeding by sweetening the liquids. Since babies are not capable of rinsing their mouths, the sweet deposits on their teeth could lead to tooth decay, cavities, and infection. To avoid this, refrain from giving too many sweetened food items, including sweetened milk. Encourage your baby to drink water when you are training them to use sippy cups. Avoid using honey on pacifiers to help your baby hold on to it.

Remember, these tips are only to help you avoid infections and improve your baby’s dental hygiene. This does not necessarily mean it’ll completely protect your baby’s teeth from infections. Visit a dentist monthly, or more frequently if you suspect an infection, to ensure complete protection and care.

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