More often than not, we give our children sermons on dental care. Have you ever wondered why they don’t show interest in taking care of their teeth? One, they don’t know why they should take care of their teeth. Two, you are not leading by example. You may think children need to be dictated to and guided, but they actually need to understand the reason behind the things they are asked to do. Tell them the problems they may face later in life because of poor dental hygiene and they will understand. But most importantly, show them that you pay attention to your teeth. There is no better way to lead than by example.

If you have an infant at home, wipe her mouth after you have fed her. Use a baby tongue-brush or a soft cloth to clean your infant’s tongue.

Often we relate illness to teething. If your baby has fever and has been vomiting, don’t take them as a part of the teething process. Take her to the pediatrician immediately.

When your baby gets her first tooth, take her to the dentist for a check-up. Don’t let your baby sleep with a bottle of milk or in her mouth. This may cause tooth decay also known as baby bottle decay. Also, discourage your child from sucking her thumb. Try to make her stop doing it completely after the age of six.

You should not ignore a problem in your child’s teeth. Take your child immediately to the dentist.

Your child needs nutritious food for healthy teeth. Feed dairy products and other calcium-rich foods like tofu, spinach, broccoli, almonds, sesame, salmon, and sardines.

Even a child who has only one tooth can develop cavities. So, you have to pay attention and take care.

Tags: Children, dental care for children, dental care in children