By transmitting good oral hygiene habits which is one of the most important health lessons that can teach you. This means helping him brush his teeth at least twice a day, showing him the proper way to floss, avoiding the consumption of food between meals and taking him to the dentist periodically.
Most dentists recommend that children begin visiting the dental office at two years of age. This offers the opportunity to control the growth and development of the child’s teeth and will give you the opportunity to learn about the development of teeth, the need to use fluoride, how to help your child maintain proper hygiene oral, how to resolve your child’s oral habits (such as the use of a pacifier), aspects of diet and nutrition, and how to prevent oral injuries.
Always comment that visiting the dentist is a positive experience. Explain to your child that this helps maintain healthy teeth. Since it will encourage a positive attitude and increase the chances of your child going to the dentist periodically throughout his life.
What should I do when my child’s teeth start to erupt?
The teeth begin to erupt around six months of age and continue to do so until about three years. This causes discomfort in the gums of many children, a situation that makes them irritable. The discomfort can be reduced by rubbing the gums with your finger, with a cold spoon or a tether that has been placed in the freezer. There are also gels and analgesic products that can be used during the eruption of babies’ teeth. Consult the dentist or pediatrician about these products. If your child has a fever during teething, it is best to contact your doctor to rule out the possibility of another type of disorder.
What is the correct way to brush my child’s teeth?
It is advisable to supervise the brushing of your child until he is six years old, following the instructions below:
- Use a small amount of toothpaste teeth with low fluoride level approved by the Dental Association of your country. Verify that your children do not overdo their toothpaste.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, first brushing the inside surfaces of all the teeth, where more plaque builds up. Place the slanting bristles towards the gum and gently brush back and forth.
- Clean all exterior surfaces of the teeth. Place the slanting bristles towards the gum and gently brush back and forth.
- Place the brush so that the bristles are on the chewing surface of the teeth. Brush gently back and forth.
Is the finger sucking habit a problem? How can it be treated?
The sucking reflex is normal and healthy in babies. However, if it continues after the permanent teeth have erupted, between four and seven years, this habit can cause problems with the growth of the mouth and jaw, as well as the position of the teeth. The habitual suction of the finger causes the anterior teeth to be directed outwards causing an open bite. This can cause problems in adulthood, such as premature wear of the teeth, increased amount of decay and discomfort when biting. Suction of pacifiers once the teeth appear permanent cause’s similar problems.
The best way to solve the habit of sucking (sucking) is through positive reinforcement, without using words or negative behavior. Your son is only doing what seems natural to him. Praise him when he does not. Try to correct the anxiety that gives rise to this habit. The dentist or the pediatrician can also prescribe a product with a bitter taste to cover the finger and prevent suction or an appliance that reminds you not to suck it.