Child’s dentistry essentially starts even before the child is born. The development of a baby’s teeth depends on the way the mother takes care of her diet and other health matters during her pregnancy. Eating a balanced diet with proper amount of vitamins and minerals is the first rule of pre-birth child’s dental care. In addition, pregnant women should undergo regular dental examination and treatment for any cavities and/or gum diseases.

Teething in Children

The child's first teeth, called primary teeth, usually appear through the gums when the child is about 6 months old. Up to 3 years of age, all of the child’s 20 primary teeth should appear. Between 6 and 11 years of age, the kid loses the primary teeth. The first permanent teeth i.e. molars usually appear behind the primary teeth at the age of about 6 years. The last of the molars usually erupt between the age 12 years and 21 years

Dental Care for Kid's Teeth

The best dental care for children starts before their permanent teeth appear. Some important guidelines are listed below:

• Sharing of spoons, utensils etc. with kids transfers your oral bacteria to children by means of saliva left on these items. Provide the child with a separate set of regularly cleaned items for eating.
• Kissing can also transfer bacteria. Clean your child’s teeth regularly to prevent bacterial build up.
• Do not let your baby with baby bottle carrying milk, formula, or some other sugary liquid. If you leave the child’s teeth sweet overnight, tooth decay can result.
• Breast feeding your baby before putting him/her to bed is safe for teeth. At around one year of age, encourage your baby to drink from a cup.

Fluoride Supplements

In many areas, tap water carries added fluoride for teeth protection. Seek the advice of a dentist over whether to use fluoride supplements for yourself and your kid. Also, if you use your own well’s water, have it tested for its fluoride content.

Diet for Strong Teeth

Nutritious foods play a key role in maintaining healthy gums and development of strong teeth. These foods include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Foods that are high in sugar and processed carbohydrates, e.g. pastries, pasta, white bread etc. should be avoided.

Mouthwashes

Children should not be allowed to use mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Children of age six years or older can be allowed a mouthwash containing fluoride provided that they do not swallow it.

Smoking

Smoking is the arch enemy of teeth and general health. Keep your child away from both active and, as far as possible, passive smoking. You need to educate your kid against smoking from an early age.

Injury

Children are very much prone to injure their teeth and gums in play. Educate yourself on dental emergency and safety measures for preventing loss of tooth/teeth.

Thumb Sucking

If your child continues to suck his or her fingers or thumb, take him or her to a dentist.

Brushing and Flossing

Take care of the following points regarding brushing and flossing teeth:

• With the appearance of teeth in your child’s mouth, start cleaning his/her teeth with a soft wet cloth or gauze pad. Later, use a soft toothbrush and water (but not any toothpaste).
• For a one year old, use a little fluoride toothpaste up to 3 years of age. Do not let the child swallow it.
• At 4 years of age, your child should learn to clean his/her teeth.
• Start flossing your child's teeth when you see these touching together.
• Use disclosing tablets off and on to check if any plaque remains on the teeth after brushing. These tablets will color any plaque left on the teeth after brushing.