Maintaining healthy teeth in children
A healthy beautiful smile is not achieved overnight, but is the result of a concern from the earliest stages of life. It is therefore important that parents become aware of dental care for their children by following some basic principles of hygiene and oral health.
The first years of childhood are essential to prevent dental problems and educate children to maintain good oral health. In fact, it is recommended that children under 7 years should be checked regularly by the dentist and pediatrician in the care of teeth. Pay attention to the following dental hygiene tips that will help create healthy habits in your children.
Brushing: This procedure should be performed at least 3 times daily or after every meal. If your child is younger than 7 years, the ideal is to help slightly tilting his head back to gain access to all teeth. Remember to clean the gums, because there also accumulate food debris. When the child is older, will already be accustomed to this routine and may do so on their own.
Toothpaste: Children under 3 years should not use fluoride toothpaste. In the market there are many alternatives specially developed for all ages. Although the recommendation is to use toothpaste at each brushing, if your child does not want to use it for a day no problem: the teeth are cleansed with water only, but for a period not exceeding one week.
Avoid fluoride: As mentioned above, fluoride is not used in young children because they can damage tooth enamel. For this reason, most toothpastes in general and do not contain this element.
Visit the dentist: Take your child to the dentist when he first tooth or a year old. Then, do it every six months and is seeking guidance from your doctor or seek a dentist who specializes in infants and children.
Reducing sugar intake, avoid the use of pacifiers and bottles are critical for children to care for their teeth. Always consult your dentist, as he will guide you in creating dental hygiene on your son or daughter.