Parents tend to think that infants do not need special dental care. It is only in their growing years that parents start insisting on children brushing their teeth right. Dental experts, however, say that an infant’s teeth need as much care as a growing child’s or an adult’s.

Milk teeth lay the foundation for the child’s looks as well as the foundation for his/her permanent teeth. Thus, it is important to start taking care of a child’s dental health early on. Here are guidelines for dental care of infants and children.

• Take your child to the dentist when she develops her first tooth.

• Visit your pediatrician if your infant falls ills when she is teething. Fever and vomiting are not normal when babies teeth.
• Wipe your infant’s mouth after she has been fed.
• Clean your infant’s tongue regularly with a soft cloth or a tongue-brush meant especially for the purpose.
• Provide your child food rich in calcium. Feed dairy products and other calcium-rich foods like tofu, spinach, broccoli, almonds, sesame, salmon, and sardines.
• Dissuade you child from sucking his/her thumb or using a pacifier after the age of six.
• Do not let your baby sleep with a bottle of sweet liquid.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to the development of cavities in the child’s teeth. Take your child to the dentist immediately if you notice a dental problem. Keep your pediatrician and dentist informed about any new developments in your child’s health.

Dental care routine for a child is no different from that of an adult. All you need to do is to pay a little attention.

Happy smiling!

Tags: Children, Dental Care, dental care for children, infant