Baby Tooth Care
Baby Tooth Care
Baby tooth care has to be started when their first tooth begin to appear when a baby is about 6 to 8 months old. When child is 5 to 6 years of age, his/her first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth, others don't. Even though baby teeth will eventually be lost, they are just as important as the adult teeth. They not only hold the space for incoming permanent teeth, but are also important for biting and chewing food, speech, and physical appearance. Early tooth loss due to dental decay can have a serious impact on your child’s self-esteem and self-confidence in their appearance. For this reason, it important to teach your child from an early age about practicing daily oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime of smiles.
Problems a baby can face
1. Teething pain
2. Cavities
3. Tooth decay or injury
4. Baby bottle tooth decay
How we treat them
1. Sealant
2. Space maintenance
3. Brushing the baby teeth
SEALANTS
An increasingly popular treatment in dentistry is making it possible for kids to slip through childhood without a single cavity. When parents ask us what are the best ways to prevent their children from getting cavities, we often say "SEALANTS!" These act as a barrier between bacteria (the cause of decay) and the enamel on the teeth. The treatment uses plastic fluids that dentists paint on the biting surfaces of permanent molars soon after the teeth come in. Sealants are safe, dry in seconds, and last up to five years. Kids will still have to brush, floss and visit their dentists because the sealant won't reach between the teeth, where cavities often develop. But, sealants can cut molar cavities by more than 50 percent, and can be especially helpful in areas without fluoridated water.
BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY
By the time tooth decay is noticed it may be too late and crowns, pulp therapy, or even extraction of the decayed teeth may be necessary. As a result, your child may suffer from long term disorders which include speech impediments, possible psychological damage, crooked or crowded teeth, and poor oral health. You can prevent this from happening to your child’s teeth by learning how to protect them. Clean your child’s teeth daily ,never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula (or when awake, sip on it for long periods of time as a pacifier) , start bottle weaning by at least a year , give your child plain water for thirst , make sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay & have regular dental visits for your child .
TIP: Cut back on sugary bottles by gradually watering them down until they are only water. Most children begin life with strong, healthy teeth. Help your child’s teeth stay that way. Your newborn is totally dependent upon you as a parent. The decisions you make will have a vital effect on your child’s dental future
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