It is essential to develop good oral habits from the very beginning. Here are five key facts about pediatric dentistry and how it relates to caring for baby teeth.
Baby teeth are temporary, but they perform some essential functions. They assist in biting and chewing food, they help children speak, and they add charm to their smiles. Besides this, they act as placeholders for permanent teeth. They maintain the space for future teeth. The alignment of the final set of teeth depends on their position. So they are very important and should be cared for properly.
Here are five key facts about pediatric dentistry and how it relates to caring for baby teeth.
Teeth Cleaning During Pregnancy
Dentists recommend that pregnant women maintain their regular dental routine. They should have their teeth checked and cleaned regularly. If they do not do so, oral bacteria may increase and pose a risk to the fetus as well as the expectant mother.
Develop Good Oral Habits from Infancy
It is essential to develop good oral habits from the very beginning. The routine of oral hygiene should start with the very first tooth. This happens between the age of six and nine months. A child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush should be used during the initial stages. You can use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, which may be as big as a grain of rice. The quantity of fluoride toothpaste can generally be increased to the size of a pea when the child is three years old.
A Dental Check Up At the Age of One
This may seem surprising, but it is necessary to take a child to the dentist at the age of one. This helps the child to get used to dental examinations and procedures. It also sows the seeds of good oral habits and promotes oral health.
Thumb Sucking is Normal
Toddlers and babies normally suck their thumbs. They derive comfort from this habit. Usually, they outgrow it by the time they are four years old. If they continue to suck their thumb after that, they may face orthodontic problems in the future. So if a child does not give up the habit in time, the parents should speak with their dentist about it.
Preventing Children from Getting Cavities
A child should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. They should use floss at least once a day. If the child is too young to perform these tasks, parents can help them to do the work properly. The sugar consumption of children should be low, and beverages like sports drinks, soda, and even natural fruit juices should generally be avoided. They cause tooth decay.
A St. Louis pediatric dentist can offer suitable advice to combat cavities. Besides this, the dentist can provide fluoride treatments and use dental sealants to protect the child’s teeth against cavities.
Pediatric Dentist St. Louis
Your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Depending on your child’s circumstances, we will discuss if sedation or anesthesia is right for your child.
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