Children’s oral health
Our primary teeth are completely formed at birth but they are hidden under the gums. Primary teeth start coming in at around six months, up until about three years of age. It goes without saying that healthy teeth need healthy gums. This is why parents should follow some rules for their kids’ oral hygiene.
0-2 years
From birth to six months, all you need to do is gently rub your baby’s gums with a damp cloth after each feeding. This will remove the sticky film (plaque) that can damage teeth. Once teeth begin to show, clean them using a soft-bristled brush. Only use a pea-size amount of fluoride-free toothpaste, since babies can’t spit out the toothpaste out yet.
Babies enjoy sucking on things – this is how they eat and relax. As your baby gets older, this need should lessen. If this is not the case, we recommend the use of a pacifier, rather than thumb-sucking. And, although it may be difficult to wean a child of this, we recommend you encourage your child to refrain from this habit once he or she reaches three years of age. If your child continues to suck his or her thumb or a pacifier after the permanent teeth have begun developing, this may lead to jaw growth and teeth positioning problems.
2-6 years
Between the ages of two and six, we recommend that you closely monitor your child’s teeth brushing technique. Make sure he or she pays special attention to the teeth located in the rear portion of the dental arch, as these are often neglected. And, make sure he or she uses dental floss three times a week. By the age of six, he or she should be flossing once a day.
Once your child is able to spit, we recommend using fluoride toothpaste. Should there be any dental problems, your dentist will advise you on the different options available, including fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash or gel. Fluoride can benefit oral health in many ways, including cavity prevention.
However, as the saying goes, everything is better in moderation. Indeed, too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. This condition causes small, whitish stains to appear on permanent teeth. Before changing any of your child’s dental habits, ask a dental professional.
It’s perfectly normal for babies to suck on things. After all, this is how they eat and relax. As your child nears two or three years of age, this need should lessen. If this is not the case, we recommend the use of a pacifier, rather than thumb-sucking.
Why do we recommend this? Because it is easier for YOU to control when and how your child uses a pacifier, rather than his or her thumb. Never put sugar, honey or corn syrup on a pacifier, as this may cause cavities. Ideally, children should stop using a pacifier BEFORE the age of three. When a child continues to suck his or her thumb or a pacifier AFTER the permanent teeth have begun developing, this may lead to jaw growth and teeth positioning problems.