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Top 7 Dental Tips for Parents & Kids From Real Dentists

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Dental decay is one of the most serious and severe pediatric health issues in the United States, leading to problems such as oral pain, regular school absences, and attention difficulties. When setting the stage for a healthy lifestyle, taking good care of your child’s teeth and mouth from birth is of the utmost importance.

Encourage dental hygiene with fun these tips:

  • Start good oral habits early. Teach kids to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly.

  • Let the kids help pick their own toothbrush. They can select one that has a favorite character or color.

  • Let kids help with toothpaste selection. They’re able to select their favorite flavor.

  • Read books or watch videos discussing oral hygiene.

  • To make sure the children brush their teeth for 2 minutes, use a timer. Or, to help keep track of time, play their favorite song.

  • For good oral care, award children. Do not sell food or sugary treats to them. Give something, like apple slices or a gold star, safe or easy instead.

  • Plan a fun activity during your child’s visit to the dentist.

Things to Remember:

Baby teeth usually start to develop between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Generally, the 2 bottom front teeth are the first teeth to come in. Most children are about 3 years of age with all 20 baby teeth. Children will lose their baby teeth as early as 6 years old and as late as 12 years old. Your child has a mix of teeth during this process as baby ones fall out and adult ones break through. Your dentist may speak to you and your child about possible problems with your teeth around this time. Some children require medication for orthodontia, such as braces. 32 teeth is a complete set of adult teeth. This requires wisdom teeth, which are not acquired by most individuals until their late adolescence or early adulthood.

It’s common for babies to suck their thumbs, their fingers, or a pacifier. Most children give up this habit on their own by age 4. Prolonged use can cause teeth alignment issues. Speak to your dentist if, at age 4, your child still has a sucking habit. When your child’s teeth grow, they should watch for issues. In most infants, until about age 6, when the permanent front teeth come in, there is no need to worry about a sucking habit.

Usual dental emergencies

In many ways, dental emergencies come, but there are a few general guidelines to remember:

  • Give your child the same drug prescribed by your pediatrician for headache in case of toothache; never place aspirin on the tooth.

  • If your child bumps a tooth and it eventually turns dark gray, the trauma may have caused the nerve in the tooth to die. See your child’s dentist right away.

  • If a permanent tooth is knocked out, carefully treat the tooth in order not to touch the root. Rinse with milk or water if the tooth is dirty. Do not wipe dry, but store in milk or saltwater. The tooth may be kept in the mouth of your child between the cheek and the gums if milk or saltwater is unavailable. Make him or her spit in a cup and store the tooth there if your child is unable to do this. You should try to bring the tooth back in, gently, if all else fails. To make sure the nerve is not exposed, visit your child’s dentist immediately.

Are You Looking for an Amazing Dentist For Your Kids?

With over 30 years of professional experience helping young patients protect and beautify their smiles, Balfour Dental continues to be the preferred dental office for children and their families in Brentwood California and the surrounding communities of Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay and beyond! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as in general dentistry.  If you are looking to help your kid’s smile, contact Balfour Dental today!

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