Watching your child grow the first baby teeth and then transform them into permanent ones is an exciting experience filled with anxiety and fear.
Remember, babies’ soft gums and pearly little teeth demand proper oral care, which starts with understanding the ABCs of kid-friendly dental care, aka pediatric dentistry.
This blog will help parents understand the important aspects of children's tooth development.
We'll explore different points, from building a daily brushing routine to regular dental checkups and more.
‘A’ Stands for Attention and Awareness
To your surprise, babies' basic dental substance starts to form soon during pregnancy, even though their first teeth appear when they are around six months old.
Well, this indicates that you should pay attention to your child’s dental health immediately after they are born.
Start by cleaning the gums regularly. You can use damp cotton buds to clean the gums. This will remove sugar, germs, and bacteria that can cause cavities or weaken the gums.
‘B’ is for Brushing
Soon after your baby’s first teeth appear, it’s time to switch from cotton buds to soft bristle toothbrushes. Cleaning your child’s teeth from the very start will help them build a daily routine.
Brush your child’s teeth twice or thrice a day. Make sure to make the brushing experience exciting. Kid-friendly dental care means making the process fun. Include playing music or their favourite poems while brushing,
Moreover, to encourage your child, we’d recommend brushing your teeth along with them. If your baby sees you enjoying brushing, they might start loving it!
‘C’ Stands for “Cut the Sugary Treats”
Honestly, sugar is the worst enemy of baby teeth. If a child intakes sugary meals, it can cling to the bacteria present in the teeth, leading to plaque buildup (if not removed properly).
Moreover, sugar can also cause cavities in baby teeth.
Hence, it’s important to cut sugar from your child’s meals.
Instead of offering them lollipops, jellies, and other sugar-filled treats, feed them delicious fruits.
Cut bananas, strawberries, or other fruits into small pieces and offer them in colourful little bowls.
Shakes can also work wonders for babies aged from 1 to 11 months—they haven’t fully developed teeth for chewing fruits.
‘D’ is for Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential for children. Pediatric dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating oral diseases with advanced techniques and methods. This helps in early detection of dental issues before they become too serious and painful for the child.
Make sure to consult an experienced family doctor who can provide a friendly and welcoming environment for your child.
Check their testimonials first and make sure to assess their experience during the first consultation.
Getting recommendations from your family members and friends can also help you find an experienced dentist.
Additionally, contact pharmacies or industry experts for their reviews on different pediatric dentists.
Before scheduling an appointment, it’s also important to inquire about the quality of the dentistry instruments they use.
E Stands for Effective Diet Plan
A healthy diet plan goes a long way.
Balanced diet plans strengthen the gums and promote effective teeth development.
With the help of a dietician, you can create a personalized diet plan for your child.
Here is an overview of nutrients that should be included in the child’s diet:
| Age | Important Nutrients | Foods Necessary for Teeth Development |
| Under 6 months | Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus | Breast milk, formula |
| 6-12 months | Iron, zinc, vitamin C | Iron-filled cereals, pureed fruits and vegetables |
| 1-2 years | Fiber, Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, | Dairy products (cheese, yogurt), green vegetables, whole grains |
| 2-3 years | Phosphorus, Calcium, vitamin D, fiber | Dairy products, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables |
| 3 years onwards | Phosphorus, vitamin D, Calcium, fiber | Dairy products, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains |
‘F’ is For Fun Treats or Toys
Offering your child some delicious treats and fun toys can encourage them to practice the daily brushing routine.
Here are some good options you can try at home:
- Oatmeal with milk
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Celery with raisins and peanut butter
- Baked sweet potato fries
Make sure to use a minimal amount of sugar in the above treats. Brush your child’s teeth after feeding them delicious meals.
Final Words!
Following all the above kid-friendly dental care tips can help parents ensure effective tooth development in their children.
Building a healthy brushing routine, visiting pediatric dentists, and providing healthy diets to your baby all play an essential role in keeping their smiles bright and healthy.
If you’re anxious, consult with an experienced dentist. They will provide you with personalized opinions and a dental care plan that primarily addresses your child's unique needs.
FAQs
How can I find a licensed pediatric dentist online?
The best way to find a licensed pediatric dentist online is to join an online telemedicine platform. There, you can consult with world-renowned dentists anywhere around the world.
Can I use toothpaste for my baby’s brushing?
For young babies under 2 years old, it’s generally recommended to avoid using toothpaste. That’s because toothpastes often contain fluoride which can be harmful and cause health concerns on swallowing.
What toothpaste is safe for a 3-year-old?
Dentists recommend using fluoride-free toothpaste for young children. These toothpastes are safe and won’t harm the child if they accidentally swallow them.
