{"id":2510,"date":"2021-08-30T16:35:26","date_gmt":"2021-08-30T20:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhoralhealth.org\/blog\/?page_id=2510"},"modified":"2021-12-21T11:43:25","modified_gmt":"2021-12-21T16:43:25","slug":"taking-care-of-your-childs-teeth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nhoralhealth.org\/blog\/taking-care-of-your-childs-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Care of your Child’s Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"\"As a parent you want to protect your children from life’s harms.\u00a0 You can prevent and manage tooth decay by making sure your children have regular dental visits and by taking good care of their teeth. One of the main ways to keep your children\u2019s teeth healthy and set them on the path to good oral health is by brushing their teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times each day. It may help to play or sing a song that is at least 2 minutes long while brushing their teeth.\u00a0 \u00a0There are smartphone apps with timers and songs available for both android and IOS.\u00a0 Or download<\/a> this list of toothbrushing songs that you can sing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\nBrush your child\u2019s teeth in the morning and before bed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nUse a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nIts very important to use the correct amount of toothpaste\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>\n\n

Young children like to do things for themselves. It\u2019s good to let them brush their teeth while you watch.\u00a0 You should brush their teeth too until they are seven or eight years of age, or able to tie their own shoes. Younger children just do not brush their teeth very well. They need your help.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>\n\n

Find a position where your child is comfortable and you can see your child\u2019s teeth while you brush. You can sit on the floor with your child\u2019s head in your lap. You can cradle them while sitting. Or you can stand behind your child in front of the mirror.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>\n\n

Gently brush your child’s teeth using small circles. Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the insides and outsides. Have your child spit out any toothpaste that is left after brushing but do not rinse. The small amount of toothpaste that stays in your child\u2019s mouth is good for the teeth.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Don\u2019t give up if you are having trouble brushing your child\u2019s teeth. Keep trying!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Baby Teeth Matter!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Baby teeth are the blueprint for your child\u2019s permanent teeth.<\/li>\n
  • Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.<\/li>\n
  • When a baby tooth is lost before the permanent tooth is ready to come in, the teeth beside it may move and shift to fill in the gap. This can cause problems. The permanent teeth may come in crooked, misaligned, and crowded.<\/li>\n
  • Baby teeth help a child develop speech by controlling the flow of air out of the mouth.<\/li>\n
  • Baby teeth help a child chew food naturally and support good nutrition.<\/li>\n
  • Healthy baby teeth will help your child smile brightly and feel good about themselves. It will boost their confidence when playing and interacting with others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Need to find a dentist near you? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n