The basis of healthy permanent teeth in children and adolescents happen during the first years of their life. Teaching them proper dental hygiene early in life is a great assurance for the development of strong and healthy teeth later in their lives. You can also get the best teeth whitening dentist service.
Parents can start by setting an example and make their children understand the importance of proper oral care. Children learn more by imitating their parents and they do better through affection and praise for their efforts.
Neglecting the child’s oral care is a big mistake parents can make. Improper nutrition and teeth cleaning in the first 2 years of a child’s life has been linked to tooth decay in most children.
Tooth decay is five times more prevalent than asthma in children. Developing caries in primary teeth also increases the risk of tooth decay in permanent teeth
It is therefore important for parents to start teaching their children proper dental hygiene at an early age to prevent dental problems as they grow older.
When is the right time to start proper oral care for children?
Proper oral care starts before any teeth appear. It is recommended that parents wipre the baby’s gums with water using a baby’s toothbrush (no toothpaste) or soft cloth after feeding. doing this will help clear away harmful bacteria.
Refrain from putting the baby to sleep with a feeding bottle as this may also harm the baby’s gums and teeth because the sugars from milk or juice that stayed in the baby’s mouth for hours will eat away at the enamel of the tooth, forming what is called bottle mouth.
Symptom of bottle mouth is discolored, pocked, or rough front teeth. Severe cases of bottle mouth can lead to tooth decay and the infected tooth has to be extracted before the permanent teeth grow in.
