The smile of your child, the one that brings a thousand smiles to your face, is at risk of cavities and bleeding gums that can damage their smile. Let’s eliminate the risk and ensure a perfect smile for your children for life!
By: Dr. Ilan Price
A baby’s teeth start developing while still in the womb, but they only become visible between the ages of 6-12 months.
By around the age of 3, the mouth is filled with baby teeth, which begin to fall out at around age 6 and are replaced by permanent teeth.
By approximately age 13, all 20 baby teeth are replaced with permanent teeth, and in total, an adult has 32 teeth, 4 of which are wisdom teeth that grow between the ages of 17-21.
The stages of tooth replacement are dynamic and can vary by months up to a year.
It’s Important to Start as Soon as the First Tooth Appears
Baby teeth are a temporary set of teeth that are replaced between the ages of 6-14.
As their name suggests, baby teeth are whiter than permanent teeth.
A full set of baby teeth includes 20 teeth, compared to 32 permanent teeth (including wisdom teeth).
Maintaining healthy teeth helps with the child’s development and allows for proper nutrition and eating ability.
It is important to treat baby teeth as you would permanent teeth and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste appropriate for the child’s age.
You should start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, without toothpaste, until the age of 2.
Consistency is key, especially brushing at night with the help of an adult until at least age 4, using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to avoid swallowing it, which could cause toxicity.
Baby teeth don’t accumulate tartar like permanent teeth, but it’s still important to visit the dental hygienist from age 5 to learn brushing techniques and create a diet plan to prevent cavities.
If there is a cavity in a baby tooth, it is crucial to seal it because the bacteria can transfer to the permanent tooth, causing decay and infection there as well, leading to pain.
To prevent early trauma from the dentist, it’s recommended to visit for routine check-ups so the child becomes familiar with the clinic and feels comfortable coming back. Additionally, the dentist can check for early signs of decay and prevent more severe treatments.
Healthy Nutrition
An integral part of a child’s overall health, including their teeth, lies in their diet.
A balanced and healthy diet should include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, calcium, fiber, proteins, and other nutrients.
To help maintain dental health, reduce the amount of sugar your child consumes.
Limit the number of times per day your child eats sugary foods to no more than 4 times. It’s better to eat sweet foods during meals rather than between them.
Most of the sugar we consume comes from processed foods, but fruit, which also contains sugar, is a better option.
Consider keeping a log to track the types and amounts of sugars consumed and how many times a day they are eaten.
Brushing Teeth
It’s best to start brushing as early as possible. Even during infancy, brushing the gums with a soft brush can help establish good habits from the start.
As soon as the first baby tooth appears, typically around 6 months of age, begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste to protect the teeth. Brushing should be done twice a day: the last thing before bedtime and again upon waking.
Until at least age 7, brushing should be supervised by an adult to ensure proper technique and efficiency.
Each brushing session should last 2 minutes, brushing all sides of the teeth, each tooth individually.
Brush the tooth from where it connects to the gums, covering all its surfaces.
Fluoride
Fluoride, which has been studied for over 50 years, has been proven to be highly effective in improving dental health.
Our tap water, which contains fluoride, has been shown to strengthen teeth by more than 50%, strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to damage.
There are many natural sources of fluoride.
In addition to water, most toothpastes contain fluoride, and twice-daily brushing is our primary source of it.
The best way to retain fluoride in the mouth is by spitting out toothpaste without rinsing, as nighttime, when saliva levels decrease, is the most effective time for fluoride to work.
Fluoride can also be found in mouthwash, and concentrated fluoride treatments are often given after a dental cleaning.
It’s recommended to receive a fluoride treatment from the dentist every six months or according to their advice.
Visiting the Dentist
Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining oral health.
It’s best to schedule the first visit as early as possible, ideally by age 2.
The dentist can detect dental tendencies and risks at the earliest stages, which helps ensure the best care.
This visit also holds significant mental value by helping prevent future dental anxiety.
Make the trip to the dentist enjoyable, and in the future, your child will avoid unnecessary fears about their dental visits.
During the first visit, the dentist will examine the mouth, provide guidance on brushing and oral care, and possibly give a fluoride treatment, depending on the child’s age.
It’s important to visit the dentist at least once a year, or according to the dentist’s recommendations.
Dr. Price Visits Kindergartens
Keeping children’s smiles healthy is a matter of responsibility, quality, and innovation. Dr. Ilan Price offers advanced solutions to maintain a healthy and perfect smile. Contact us for consultations and appointments! Learn more about the importance of oral hygiene for children, tips for maintaining a healthy smile, and instructions on how to preserve children’s oral hygiene to ensure their health and future smiles.
