Your toddler needs proper dental care at every stage of development. These basic practices include using Fluoride toothpaste, cleaning after a cold or flu, and flossing. Flossing can also be useful in preventing cavities between teeth. Flossing should be done by both you and your child. Your child will have a better understanding of dental hygiene when you supervise his or her efforts. Taking your child to the The kids Dentist of Las Vegas can be an exciting experience.
Fluoride toothpaste
You’re probably asking yourself: Should I buy fluoride toothpaste for my toddler? The American Dental Association says yes, but in varying amounts, depending on the age of the child. Babies should use a pea-sized amount, while older kids can handle a larger smear. Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in salt water and fresh water. It’s a popular additive in toothpaste, and it strengthens the tooth enamel, and can even fight cavities.
Sugary liquids
The World Health Organization recommends limiting the amount of sugar in your child’s diet to 10% of his caloric intake. For a three-year-old, this equates to about 5.5 teaspoons of sugar daily. Most juices and sodas have more sugar per serving than this amount. Despite the sugar content, toddler teeth are not directly affected by the sugar it contains. It is the acid that the sugar produces that is the problem.
Cleaning after a cold or flu
The first step in cleaning after a cold or flu for toddler teeth and gums is to avoid brushing immediately after the illness is over. Children’s immune systems aren’t as developed as adults’. In addition, a child’s mouth is an entry point for a wide variety of diseases. A pediatric dentist will perform a thorough exam and dental cleaning to ensure the oral health of your child.
X-rays
In addition to the x-rays used for diagnostic purposes, a dentist can also take panoramic x-rays, which show the entire mouth. The panoramic x-ray is useful for evaluating a child’s development and tooth placement, as well as the growth and development of the child’s jaw bone. It is also useful for determining whether your child needs orthodontic treatment or will develop a dental cavity.
Premature teeth
The first sign that your child is having early teeth eruption may be the presence of one or more natal teeth. Premature teeth and gums occur in up to ten percent of children. They may be hypermobile or a combination of the two. In some cases, teeth may be impacted or be so mobile that they must be extracted. Fortunately, in most cases, teeth erupted during the neonatal period are less problematic than those erupted in the adult period. Despite their lack of root development, teeth erupted during this period usually present less of a problem.
Getting a checkup
Getting a checkup for your child’s teeth and gums is essential, especially as they grow. This is because the mouth and teeth of a child are constantly changing and getting a checkup can detect any problems early on. Getting a checkup for your child’s teeth and gums can prevent your child from developing cavities and other dental problems that can lead to bad breath and tooth decay.