It is essential to develop good oral habits from the very beginning.
Baby teeth are temporary but they perform some important functions. They assist in biting and chewing food, they help the child in speaking and they add charm to his or her smile. Besides this, they act as placeholders for the permanent teeth. They maintain the space for the future teeth. The alignment of the final set of teeth depends on their position. So they are very important and should be looked after properly. St. Louis pediatric dentist offers some key facts about caring for baby teeth.
Teeth Cleaning During Pregnancy
The dentists recommend that pregnant women should maintain their regular dental routine. They should have their teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis. If they do not do so, oral bacteria which cause diseases 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. In fact, 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, may be as big as a grain of rice. The quantity of the fluoride toothpaste may be increased to the size of a pea when the child is 3 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 the 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 thumb. They derive comfort from this habit. Usually, they outgrow it by the time they are 4 years old. If they continue to suck their thumb after that they may face orthodontic problems in future. So if a child does not give up the habit in time the parents should consult a dentist about it.
Ways to Prevent Children from Getting Cavities
A child should brush their teeth with a 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 the children should be low and beverages like sports drinks, soda and even natural fruit juices should 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.
Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!
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