Teething is a crucial milestone in the baby’s growth and so learning a thing or two about dental care from your dentist will help prepare you for the big journey ahead.
Here are five dental care reminders for toddlers—children between 12 and 36 months old:
Visit dentist before giving birth.
Caring for your young ones’ teeth begins even before they are out of the womb. A visit to the dentist whilst pregnant prepares the parent on what to do and expect when baby is out. Teething is a crucial milestone in the baby’s growth and so learning a thing or two about dental care from your dentist will help prepare you for the big journey ahead.
Bring child to dentist as soon as first tooth is out.
Most babies will develop teeth between six and 12 months. Your dentist will be able to check your children’s teeth and will make sure that they are developing normally. The full set of baby teeth is complete by age two. By age seven, the baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones.
We encourage parents to bring their children as early as possible so they won’t be afraid and get into the routine of visiting their dentist.
For two to three years old, we recommend regular dental visit every six months.
Monitor toddler’s brushing activity.
We know there are independent tots in this world but remember to monitor your toddler’s brushing activity before you let them be. You never know. Many toddlers will even eat toothpaste especially those with yummy flavours (e.g. bubble gum and strawberry).
Parents should supervise their children’s brushing and use only a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until they are about seven years old.
Remember to change their toothbrush every after three months.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Toothpaste commercials taught us that fluoride is the ingredient that helps fight tooth decay. If our teeth are healthy, then life is happy. Healthy teeth do not have decay, one of the main culprits behind tooth extractions and costly dental operations.
Limit consumption of coloured drinks.
Toddler’s teeth are not as strong as the permanent ones so if they are exposed to acidic fizzy drinks, you are contributing to the gradual decay of those baby teeth. Carbonated drinks are not good for children’s health; it is especially unhealthy for their teeth. Other coloured drinks such as juice should also be limited.
The best way to teach them to take care of their teeth is to introduce healthy snacks such as sliced fruits and then brush their teeth at least twice a day.