Tooth care for children
As parents concerned about our children’s health, especially if we are new to dentistry, we will have many questions about the care of their teeth. We must bear in mind that, since we were their age, dentistry in general and specifically children’s dentistry has evolved a lot, so we cannot always apply the same rules.
What you need to know to take care of your children’s teeth
- What is infant teething like?
- What are the most common problems in children’s teething and what are their causes?
- How to keep children’s teeth healthy?
- FAQS
1. What is infant dentition like?
Infant dentition is formed while the baby is still comfortably in the mother’s placenta. At the time of birth, there are already 20 teeth, even if we cannot see them.
In our lifelong fight against the bacteria that spoil our gums, we must get our children used to taking care of their teeth from the very beginning.
2. What are the most common problems in children’s teeth?
A common mistake is to believe that the premature loss of milk teeth, due to caries or other reasons, is of no importance. The preservation of baby teeth is very important for the correct development of the adult dentition.
Taking care of the teeth at this stage will prevent bite problems and dental misalignment that have repercussions on functional and aesthetic problems when eating or speaking.
Let’s take a look at the main problems that occur in children’s teeth.
Caries
As we know, tooth decay occurs when the bacteria that form dental plaque convert the sugars in the food eaten into acids that attack the enamel and form holes on its surface.
The causes of the appearance of caries are
- The ingestion of sugars, common in children, increases the amount of acids and, therefore, the probability of suffering caries.
- Inadequate dental hygiene. The best way to eliminate this layer of bacteria is by brushing, flossing and using mouthwashes for children.
- Genetic inheritance, which can determine the quality of the enamel and how easily it is destroyed.
Do not disdain this disease at an early age, as exposure to the sugars in baby bottle milk can lead to it. And, of course, never dip a dummy in honey, milk or sugar to soothe a crying baby.
Dental malformation
It will be when the child grows up that we start to notice occlusion problems. Misaligned teeth and an incorrect way of biting will indicate that we should visit a paediatric orthodontist to correct them.
From the age of 7, the child can use corrective braces. It is at this age that the teeth respond better to treatment, avoiding more extensive and costly treatments later on.
Injuries or breaks in the teeth
Children are active. They like to play sports and share games without being very aware that they can suffer a trauma that can injure their teeth and compromise their later growth.
Dental breaks in children are relatively frequent, but they have a solution.
Using a protector when playing sports will help to prevent them.
3. How to keep children’s teeth healthy?
In the first stage of childhood, when the child is a baby, and before the first teeth have appeared, it is advisable to clean the gums with a damp cloth.
Dental hygiene
The appearance of the first teeth must be accompanied by the first brushing. To do this, use a baby toothbrush and a specific toothpaste with fluoride, in a quantity of a grain of rice.
The use of dental floss should begin as soon as the teeth are already in their definitive place and width.
Feeding
Food also plays an important role in the preservation of children’s teeth. As mentioned above, it is important to reduce the consumption of sugars in their different forms.
To strengthen the teeth, there are five foods that will help us
Cheese, which provides calcium and phosphorus, stimulates the production of saliva and balances the oral pH.
Milk provides calcium and vitamin D.
Fruits and vegetables produce abundant secretion of saliva during the chewing process. Saliva is a protective element for our teeth because it provides a base (calcium bicarbonate) that neutralises acids that damage the enamel.
Raw onion contains antibacterials.
Apples, for their antioxidant properties that act as protectors against the presence of bacteria.
Dental check-ups
Although the advice until now has been to make the first visit to the dentist at around two years of age, this has now been brought forward to the first year of life. This is due to the fact that this year of difference is important to detect certain pathologies early.
The second reason is to control the appearance of caries and its sealing, which occurs with some frequency in children under 4 years of age.
Controlling facial development during the appearance of teeth in the youngest children can help us to correct problems such as those that can occur in the growth of the jaws and which generate problems of malocclusion, open bite, crossbite, upper dental crowding, sleep apnoea, TMJ disorders, gummy smile or lack of skeletal harmony in the face.
4. FAQS about teeth care in children
When should I schedule my child’s first dental visit?
At the age of 12 months. This way the dentist will be able to check the correct development of their teeth and correct any possible caries.
When should your child start using a toothbrush?
It is recommended that a gentle cleaning with a toothbrush is carried out when the first teeth appear.
When should you start using a toothbrush on your own?
Between 8 and 10 years of age, the child should brush his or her teeth independently and correctly.
Is it bad to suck on a baby’s soother to clean it?
Yes, it is not recommended, as bacteria from the adult’s mouth can be passed on to the baby, leading to illnesses.
How does fluoride help teething?
Fluoride gives extra protection to tooth enamel. It may be a good idea to supplement the fluoride your child receives through toothpaste with a supplement, but always under the supervision of your dentist.
Should my three-year-old floss?
Yes, the adult can use floss to clean the child’s interdental space by getting the child into the habit.
