|
Health 52
Info Tip:
Caring for Baby Teeth
Proper dental care is vital if we want to keep our teeth for a lifetime, but
what about baby teeth?
Even though they will be replaced, caring for baby teeth is extremely
important. Baby teeth help your child chew food and speak clearly. They also
hold spaces for permanent teeth so that they can grow in straight.
As soon as baby teeth appear, you can start cleaning them twice a day with a
soft, child-sized toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste containing fluoride,
especially if you have fluoride in your drinking water. Swallowing too much
fluoride toothpaste can cause spots on your child's teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests an initial dentist
visit by your child’s first birthday. This gives the dentist a chance to
catch any potential tooth or jaw problems in their earliest stages, and
helps parents learn to care for the teeth of a very young child.
This visit can also detect baby bottle tooth decay, which is most commonly
seen in toddlers who go to sleep drinking formula, breast milk or juice. To
avoid dental problems, experts suggest drinking from a cup starting at
twelve months of age.
If you start off with good dental habits, your child will find it easier to
keep those habits forever.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental
Association
|
