All that a Mom should know about oral health care to maintain her baby’s set of Pearly Whites:
Ø Right time to begin brushing baby’s teeth –as soon as the 1st tooth erupts. After feeding use a damp gauze or cloth gently wipe the mouth of any residue left behind. Use either an over the finger brush or a soft bristled brush for infants to clean the teeth.Initially use a wet toothbrush and slowly move to kid’s toothpaste.
Ø CHOOSING A TOOTHPASTE FOR KIDS – Nowadays fluoridated toothpaste for kids in very small quantity i.e rice grain sized is recommended. · Watermelon/ bubblegum/ strawberry flavors can increase the kid’s interest towards brushing.
Ø BRUSHING TECHNIQUE –· Teach your kids to brush using a small circular motion. Brush twice daily. Make it a game or sing a song to encourage brushing. Tooth brushes are now available with music or lights or cartoon figures to make brushing more fun.
Ø TIPS TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE –Apart from brushing it is important to cleanse the mouth in between the meals.
- Do not put infants to sleep with milk formula or juice as sugary liquids cling to teeth and cause decay.
- Avoid pacifiers as they change the shape of the mouth and cause improperly placed teeth.
- After giving medicine and eating sweet like chocolates,ice-cream etc. encourage kids to wash mouth with water or clean with a damp cloth for infants.
- Get fluoride treatment done every 6 months from dentist for prevention of caries.
Ø MILK TEETH ARE VERY IMPORTANT
They are important for maintaining the oral health .
They determine the shape of mouth and alignment of permanent teeth.
tips given by expert
Dr.Puja Bansal.
PRUDENT INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CLINIC,PUNE