Your
child’s well-being is your biggest concern and their oral hygiene is an
important part of their overall health. The care of your child’s teeth
and gums begins with you - - you can set them on the right path for a
lifetime of excellent oral hygiene.
Oral Hygiene for Infants
Babies
are born with all their teeth - you can't see them because they are
hidden in the gums. Baby teeth start to break through the gums around 6
months but it is important to start good oral care for infants even
before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft washcloth after feeding. This helps remove the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
- Once
they begin to erupt, brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
in an amount no more than a smear the size of a grain of rice - use a
soft-bristle toothbrush.
Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on dental hygiene for children.
Serve Carbs with Care
Whether it’s the crunch or the fact that they’re shaped like their favorite animals, kids love crackers and chips. The truth? “Many crackers are cookies with salt,” Dr. Hayes says. Not only do the carbohydrates in things like crackers and chips break down into sugar, they also tend to get stuck in the tops of your teeth for long periods of time.
Set an Example
You’d do anything for your kids. Now, are you ready to do all of the above for yourself too? Dr. Shenkin says setting an example can make a big difference in your whole family’s health. Eat well, brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between your teeth once a day. “If you want to change your child’s habits, it isn’t just about what they do,” he says. “Do the same thing with them.”
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future.
To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com
