Another problem that can be spotted early is a condition called “early childhood tooth decay.” This occurs when sugary substances mix with saliva, forming pools inside the child’s mouth, leading to cavities.
If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your child’s primary teeth, hampering the proper formation of permanent teeth.
One of the best Prevention Tips for Children is to avoid letting children nurse on a bottle while sleeping. Avoid dipping pacifiers in sweet substances like honey, as this encourages early decay. Encouraging your child to drink from a cup early helps prevent early childhood tooth decay.
Teething, Pacifiers, and Thumb-Sucking
By the time your child is three, teething will likely have already occurred, and they may be getting their molars. Teething is a normal part of development, and you can help relieve gum discomfort by giving your child a teething ring or gently rubbing their gums with the back of a small spoon, a piece of wet gauze, or even your finger.
Prevention Tips for Children include using teething rings and pacifiers safely for children under age 4 to relieve gum pain and satisfy their suckling needs. After age 4, pacifiers are generally discouraged because they may interfere with the development of your child’s teeth.
Moreover, thumb-sucking should be strongly discouraged because it can lead to malformed teeth that become crooked and crowded.
Primary and Permanent Teeth
Every child grows 20 primary teeth, usually by the age of 3. These teeth are gradually replaced by the age of 12 or so with a full set of 28 permanent teeth, and later on, four molars called “wisdom teeth.”
It is essential that a child’s primary teeth are healthy because their development sets the stage for permanent teeth. If primary teeth become diseased or do not grow in properly, chances are greater that their permanent replacements will suffer the same fate. For example, poorly formed primary teeth that don’t erupt properly could crowd out spaces reserved for other teeth. Space maintainers can sometimes be used to correct this condition if it is spotted early enough.
Brushing
Primary teeth can be cleansed with child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrushes. Remember to use small portions of toothpaste (a pea-sized portion is suitable), and teach your child to spit out, not swallow, the toothpaste when finished.
Fluoride
Fluoride is generally present in most public drinking water systems. If you are unsure about your community’s water and its fluoride content, or learn that it has an unacceptable level of fluoride in it, there are fluoride supplements your dentist can prescribe. Your child may not be getting enough fluoride just by using fluoride toothpaste.
Toothaches
Toothaches can be common in young children. Sometimes, toothaches are caused by erupting teeth, but they could also indicate a serious problem. Prevention Tips for Children can help reduce the risk of dental issues that lead to toothaches.
You can safely relieve a child’s toothache without the aid of medication by rinsing the mouth with a solution of warm water and table salt. If the pain doesn’t subside, acetaminophen may be used. If such medications don’t help, contact your dentist immediately.
Injuries
You can prevent your child’s oral injuries by closely supervising play and keeping foreign objects away from their mouth.
Encouraging children to wear mouth guards during sports and physical activities prevents various injuries to their teeth, gums, lips, and other oral structures.
Mouth guards, small plastic appliances, safely fit around your child’s teeth. When first inserted, many mouth guards soften and mold to the child’s teeth.
If a tooth gets knocked out, try placing it back in its socket while waiting for professional care. Always hold the dislocated tooth by the crown, not the root. If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, store it in cold milk, saline, or the child’s saliva.
First, rinse the mouth to remove blood or debris, then apply a cold cloth or compress to the cheek near the injury to reduce swelling.
For a fractured tooth, rinse with warm water and apply a cold pack or compress. Using ibuprofen can also help reduce swelling.
If the fracture is minor and the pulp remains undamaged, a dentist can smooth the tooth or restore it if necessary.
If an injury loosens a child’s primary tooth or an emerging permanent tooth, encourage them to bite down on an apple or caramel, which may help the tooth separate from the gum.
Placing a small piece of cotton or gauze on a protruding wire can relieve irritation caused by retainers or braces. If a retainer or braces piece lodges into soft tissue, contact your office immediately and avoid dislodging it yourself.
Sealants
Sealants fill in the little ridges on the chewing part of your child’s teeth to protect and seal the tooth from food and plaque. The application is easy to apply and typically lasts for several years.
Following these tips can help keep your child’s teeth healthy as they grow, setting the foundation for strong, permanent teeth later on.