Dental Care Tips for Your Child’s First Teeth:

Watching your child grow is often an exciting journey, especially because you will share many firsts together. Some of these first-time experiences include their first smile, the first time they sit up, and the moment of truth when they take their first steps on their own. With more phases of growth comes more responsibility and more new things to learn about your kids. One of the many things that you’re going to need to learn about is how to look after their first teeth. If you’re a new parent, then you’re probably wondering whether to use a toothbrush or not, what kind of toothpaste is best, and when to take your child to the dentist. Below are three handy tips to help you care for your child's teeth.

Wipe Their Gums

Your child should have 20 primary teeth in total by the age of three. However, their first primary tooth should begin to show between six and nine months. Therefore, from birth to twelve months you should begin oral hygiene by cleaning their gums with gauze, cotton or a washcloth. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that tooth decay among children is a common issue with at least half of six-year-olds having some form of decay in their baby and adult teeth. On these premises, it may be a good idea to get oral hygiene started as soon as possible so they can pick up the habit early on.  

Brush Their Teeth Regularly

Once your child has reached the age of one, they can graduate from gum cleaning to using a child toothbrush. They can also use toothpaste which is specifically made for kids, but it’s important to note that it shouldn’t contain fluoride unless prescribed by a dentist or pediatrician. This is because until they can properly spit, it is likely that they’ll swallow too much toothpaste. It is important to note that your children’s teeth aren’t invincible and they are at risk of tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries, as soon as their first tooth emerges. If it’s severe enough, early childhood caries could lead to loss of teeth, so it’s important that you brush their teeth daily. If you notice any signs of decay, contact a reputable emergency dentist in Sydney who has experience with dental care for children as soon as possible. In order to prevent such occurrences, remember to brush all surfaces of their teeth, angle the brush at 45 degrees to their gums, and brush their tongue to remove all bacteria.

Floss

It is usually recommended that children brush twice a day, preferably after they’ve had breakfast and before they go to sleep. Once they’re around the age of two and have at least two front teeth touching, you can begin whipping out the floss and adding that to their dental hygiene routine. Note that it is likely that you’ll continue to do so until they’re between 8-10 years old as they may not find it as easy to do as brushing. In the process of teaching them how to floss, try using a floss holder as it may be easier got them to get the hang of.

You’re going to be responsible for brushing your child’s teeth for quite a few years with the recommended age to stop being around seven or eight. It means that it is your responsibility as a parent to ensure your kids have the best possible dental hygiene in the early years of their life. By applying some of the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll do perfectly fine in that department!