You're head over heels with your baby's toothless grin. But as they are growing and their pearly whites are starting to come in, you start asking yourself:
Do I need to do something about their oral health? And if yes, how should I care for my baby's teeth?
Campfire Pediatric Dentistry is here to answer all these questions.
Why Is Taking Care of Baby Teeth Important?
That's a valid question. Baby teeth are not permanent, so why all the fuss about taking good care of them? Well, for several reasons:
- Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If your child loses baby teeth too early due to decay, the neighboring teeth will start shifting to cover the gap. That can affect the proper development of adult teeth and lead to overcrowding or other orthodontic issues.
- Baby teeth play a crucial role in speech development. They help your child learn to pronounce sounds and words correctly.
- Baby teeth allow your child to chew their food correctly, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients. This also enables digestion and prevents future tummy issues.
How to Take Care of Baby Teeth
Few things can compare to the stubbornness of a child. So, if you've tried to brush your child's teeth and you weren't very successful, don't despair. Most parents go through this struggle. Consistency is key here together with some tips that can make oral hygiene more fun for both you and your little one.
1. Start Early:
Before your baby's teeth come in, you can start cleaning their gums with a soft, clean cloth or a baby's toothbrush. This will get them used to the sensation of having a foreign object in their mouths.
2. Make Brushing Fun
As soon as the first tooth appears, it's time to start brushing. Use a soft, small-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush the teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Brush their teeth while singing or listening to a song to make the process more exciting.
3. Take Your Child to Regular Dental Checkups
Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth's appearance. Regular preventative dental checkups will help to catch any potential issues early. They can also help you learn more about how to care for your child's oral health.
4. Explain the Importance of Brushing
Your child may have a hard time understanding why they need to brush their teeth. You can use storytelling to help them understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits. You can tell them about how the evil bacteria are trying to attack the Land of the Teeth and how only Sir Toothbrush with its magic shield, the toothpaste, can protect it.
5. Limit Sugary Drinks and Snacks
Try to limit your child's intake of sugary drinks like juice, as well as sweets and candies. Instead, offer them plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Looking for a Caring Pediatric Dentist in Middleton, WI?
Our Middleton pediatric dentist, Dr. Nathan Benassi is always honored and excited to make sure that baby's teeth grow happy and healthy.
If you are looking for a gentle and friendly dentist in your area, don't hesitate to contact Campfire Pediatric Dentistry.
