Why Children’s Oral Health Is Important
Having good oral habits is essential not only for adults but also for children. Some parents are uncertain of how to take care of their child’s teeth. They know that brushing is important, but many questions when to begin. Instilling healthy oral habits from a young age goes a long way. Great oral habits that are practiced early set the foundation for a healthy mouth and its effects can last a lifetime.
Dental Care at An Early Age
A child’s first set of teeth do not appear until about six months, and they continue to erupt until the child is a young adult. However, leading up to this time, and also after that, adequate dental care is essential.
Getting into the habit of cleaning their teeth with a warm washcloth or bib is ideal for removing sugar and residue from their tongue and gums. This is important as it helps to eliminate the onset of early childhood tooth decay. Without prevention or the correct implementation of good oral hygiene, it can lead to infection and damage to their first set of teeth. Their underlying adult teeth can also be adversely affected.
Early Childhood Tooth Decay
Once your child begins developing teeth and their first teeth surface, they are susceptible to tooth decay. Acids can develop when liquids or foods containing natural or artificial sugars mingle with bacteria present in the mouth. Once combined, they begin attacking the outer layer of the teeth resulting in deterioration over time.
Signs of Tooth Decay in Children
Signs and symptoms of tooth decay for children include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Pain
- White spots along their gum line
- Brown spots on their teeth
Identifying the signs of tooth decay in children can be complicated. It may be difficult for parents to determine specific indications such as the presence of white spots along the gum line. For this reason, early and continued dental care is required to determine its presence.
Oral Habits to Implement in Preventing Oral Issues
Children’s oral health is vital. Failure to take care of your child’s teeth can not only cause oral health problems but issues in other parts of the body as bacteria enter the bloodstream. Practicing good oral habits is critical in limiting the occurrence of infection and tooth decay for children. Consider adopting these habits:
- ● Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle or food
- Clean and brush their teeth twice daily
- Allow your child to consume fluoridated water
- Limit intake of sugars
- Book a dentist appointment before age 2
Looking for a Family Dentist in Bowmanville?
At Bowmanville Dental, we can help you develop an appropriate dental plan to keep your child’s oral health in check. We understand the importance of oral hygiene in children. Contact us to today book an appointment!