Dental care for little children

CEBU, Philippines – By the time the child is six months old, the doctor shall assess the likelihood of the child having future dental problems. If the doctor thinks the child has risks of eventually having dental problems, a dentist shall be sought before the child's first birthday or six months after the first primary teeth appear, whichever comes first. After the first visit to the dentist, regular visits every six months shall be scheduled, or as your dentist recommends.

The general recommendation is seeing a dentist by the child's first birthday. If the baby has dental problems caused by injury, disease, or a developmental issue, it is necessary to see a pediatric dentist right away. In the absence of any problems or issues, it is important to start the child early on basic dental care.

Little children shall be properly initiated into a routine of proper brushing, using a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all parts of the child's teeth and mouth. The toothbrush shall be replaced every three to four months.

The toothbrush shall be placed at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums. Pressing the brush firmly, a gentle circular movement shall be applied. Scrubbing is not advised, nor is vigorous brushing, as these can scratch the tooth enamel and can make the gums pull away from the teeth.

The brushing shall reach all surfaces of the teeth, tongue-side and cheek-side. Special attention shall be paid to the front teeth and all surfaces of the back teeth. The chewing surfaces shall be brushed with short back-and-forth strokes.

The tongue shall be cleaned from back to front, using a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush. A little toothpaste or mouthwash may be applied if a toothbrush is used. Some toothbrushes now come with a specific brush to use for the tongue. Cleaning the tongue is equally important for removing plaque, which can cause bad breath and makes way for bacterial growth.

When children are started early on basic brushing and other dental care basics, they are often quick to take on the habit. And the practice brings many benefits for them as they grow up.