teeth Tooth
they are still hidden in the gums? Between three and nine months of age, the teeth will begin to erupt (emerge into the mouth), usually starting with the lower two front teeth - the incisors. Generally, the first tooth will appear
D
around the seventh month, although some babies can produce their first little pearly as early as three months. By the age of two and a half or three, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth. While some children get through this
period without much pain or difficulty, others will have real difficulties with the teething process Te key to managing this period is to ease your child's discomfort through such simple steps as rubbing teething gel on his gums, or by giving him teething biscuits or cold teething objects to bite on, as these will help to numb the gum and ease the pain. Once your baby's teeth have all appeared,
it's a matter of ensuring excellent oral hygiene for your child to prevent future tooth decay or dental problems. Te first thing you need to look out for is
the fact that milk and formula can actually cause severe tooth decay in a child. Unfortunately, what nourishes your baby
54MODERNMUM Spring 2016
id you know that, when a baby is born, almost all of their primary or baby teeth will already have formed, although
of the matter
from the moment that the teething process begins, to the first visit to the dentist, caring for your child's teeth is so important.
also nourishes the normal bacteria that live in his mouth. Tese bacteria turn the sugars found in formula, milks and juices into acids, which are strong enough to etch the enamel of the teeth if there is prolonged contact. Te clear saliva that you see on occasion drooling from baby's mouth actually helps to prevent lengthy exposure to acids, which are tooth damaging. Enzymes in the saliva digest the sugars in milks and juices into safe forms that your baby can use. Te problem comes, however, when your
baby falls asleep because, at this point, saliva production plummets and swallowing decreases. Any liquids, which are still in the mouth at this time, will slowly begin to dissolve the enamel, so, for this reason, you shouldn't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of juice or milk in his mouth. Instead, at naptime, give your baby a bottle filled with water. Although baby bottle tooth decay usually occurs during sleep, it can also happen if a child is allowed to walk around with a bottle.
Caring for primary teeth
Baby teeth will eventually fall out, but they are just as important as permanent teeth. Not only do they help your child to bite and chew food, but they also help your child to speak correctly. Tey are also saving space for your child's future permanent
teeth, so it's a good idea to take good care of them and to eventually teach your child to take care of them. It's a good idea to supervise your child's brushing until the age of six. Encourage your child to follow these
guidelines:
• Use a pea-sized amount of a dentally recommended fluoride toothpaste, but make sure that he doesn't swallow the paste
• Use a toothbrush with soſt bristles, brushing inside surfaces of all teeth first, as this is where plaque accumulates most
• Clean all of the outside surfaces of teeth by brushing gently back and forth
• Place the brush so that the bristles are on the chewing surface of the teeth and brush gently back and forth
Visits to the dentist
Most dentists recommend that children start visiting the dentist by the age of two. Tis will not only give the dentist a chance to monitor your child's dental growth and development, but will also provide an opportunity for your child to learn how to maintain proper oral hygiene. Always emphasise to your child that a visit
to the dentist is a positive experience and that, by going to the dentist, he'll be able to retain good, healthy teeth. „
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84