How to take care of your little one's teeth? (Child Dental Health) Let's talk about this!

The joy you feel when you see your little one's beautiful smile is indescribable, isn't it? That smile is even more beautiful when it has healthy, clean teeth. So, today we'll talk about what you can do to protect and keep your baby's teeth healthy. This is very important, because if you take care of their teeth from a young age, those healthy habits will stay with them even when they grow up.

Why are young children's teeth so important?

Some may think, "Oh, these are baby teeth, they're going to fall out anyway. So why worry about them so much?" But that's a big mistake. Think about it, these little teeth are what help your baby eat properly, pronounce words clearly, and smile beautifully.

Not only that, these baby teeth are what hold the place for the permanent teeth that will come later. It's like a 'placeholder' . If a baby tooth decays and falls out prematurely, other teeth can push into that space. Then, when the permanent teeth come in, they won't have room for them and will try to pull in. Then, the entire set of teeth can become messy. Therefore, baby teeth are not just a few teeth, they are very valuable.

When should dental care start?

This is a question that many mothers ask. "Do we need to think about teething before our baby starts teething?" Yes, that's true.

• Before teething: Even before your baby's first tooth comes in, you can gently clean their gums with a clean, damp cloth or a finger brush you can buy at the pharmacy. It's best to do this once a day, especially after feedings. This will help clean the gums and get your baby used to cleaning their mouth.
• When the first tooth comes in: As soon as your baby's first little tooth erupts, you can start brushing their teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for young children.

How to brush your teeth properly?

The most important thing is to brush your teeth properly from a young age. Let's see how.

Choosing a baby toothbrush and toothpaste

• Toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush made for young children, with a small head and very soft bristles . You'll see plenty of these when you go to the store. Choose one that's not too big for your baby's mouth and is easy to hold.
• Toothpaste : Babies under 3 years old don't need a lot of toothpaste. A smear or rice-grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste is enough. For children between 3 and 6 years old, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste can be used. The most important thing is to make sure your baby spits out the toothpaste without swallowing it. It's hard for them to do this properly when they're young, so you need to help.

The correct way to brush your teeth

Just going here and there in the middle won't do. All sides of the tooth need to be cleaned.

• Move the brush in gentle circles.
• Brush all areas of your teeth, including the bright side, the chewing side, and the tongue.
• Brush slowly so as not to hurt your gums.
• Finally, gently clean your tongue, as it can harbor bacteria .

How many times a day? How long?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. In the morning after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes at a time gives the best results. You can watch the clock, or play a little song and brush until it's finished.

Remember: Until the age of 6-7, even if your child can brush their teeth on their own, you should definitely help them. Check to see if they are brushing properly and getting all the teeth clean.

How to get children used to brushing their teeth?

This can be a challenge at times, but try these things:

• Brush your teeth with him/her: Children imitate adults. Include him/her when you brush your teeth.
• Make it fun: Choose a toothbrush in a fun color, a toothpaste that tastes good to them (suitable for children). Tell them a story or sing a song while they brush their teeth.
• Praise: When you're done brushing your teeth, give a small compliment like, "Wow, my son/daughter's teeth are so beautiful."

Importance of Flossing

There are places where a toothbrush can't reach, especially between teeth. These spaces can be where food particles and plaque can get stuck. That's what dental floss is used to remove.

• When to start? If your baby's teeth are close together, meaning they are close together with no gaps between them, then you should start flossing. This can usually start around the age of 2-3.
• How do you do it? You'll have to do this yourself at first. Take a piece of floss and gently move it up and down between two teeth. Be careful not to injure the gums. You can ask your dentist exactly how to do this.

Meeting the dentist

Just like brushing and flossing your teeth, so too is seeing the dentist regularly .

First dental appointment

The best time to take your baby to the dentist for the first time is within 6 months of their first tooth appearing, or before their first birthday . Don't think, "Oh, do I need to take such a young baby to the doctor?"

During this first meeting, the doctor will:

• The baby's mouth, teeth, and gums are examined.
• They will give you advice on how to clean your teeth and eating habits.
• We are talking about issues that may arise in the future.
• The most important thing is to familiarize the baby with the dental environment so that when he grows up, he can go without fear.

Visit the dentist as scheduled.

It is generally a good idea to see your dentist at least once every 6 months for a check-up. For some children, your doctor may recommend going earlier. If problems like dental caries are found during these regular check-ups, they can be identified and treated early.

What is Fluoride? What does it do for teeth?

Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in the soil and water. It is very important for teeth.

• How does it help? Fluoride strengthens the protective outer layer of teeth, called enamel. It also helps reduce the activity of bacteria that try to eat away at your teeth. It's like a shield for your teeth.
• Where do you get it?
• With toothpaste containing fluoride (this is the main method).
• In some areas, fluoride has been added to tap water.
• The dentist can, if necessary , administer fluoride treatment or give fluoride supplements . However, these should only be given on the advice of a doctor.
• Too much fluoride is not good - (Fluorosis): Remember, if you get too much fluoride, especially during the teething period, it can cause white or brown spots on your teeth. This is called (Dental Fluorosis). That's why you should be careful about the amount of toothpaste you use, and why you should stop letting babies swallow toothpaste.

Food and dental health

What we eat and drink directly affects the health of our teeth.

• Sugar is the biggest enemy: Sweet foods and drinks (toffee, chocolate , cakes, sweet drinks) are the main cause of tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth use this sugar to produce acids. These acids dissolve the tooth enamel and decay the teeth.
• So, limit the amount of sweets you give as much as possible.
• If you give a sweet treat, give it with the main meal. Giving sweets in small amounts frequently can cause more damage to teeth.
• Giving your baby sugary drinks in bottles, especially at bedtime, is very unhealthy. This can lead to a condition called ``Baby Bottle Tooth Decay''.
• Foods that are good for teeth:
• Foods rich in calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt) strengthen teeth.
• Fruits and vegetables (things that can be eaten raw, like carrots and cucumbers) also help clean teeth.
• Drinking clean water is very good. It washes away food particles in your mouth.

Common dental problems in young children

In short, it's good to be aware of these things as well:

• Dental Caries / Cavities: This is the most common problem. It is the formation of small holes in the teeth.
• Gingivitis: A condition in which the gums become red, swollen, and bleed. This can occur when you don't brush your teeth properly.

If you see something like this, see a dentist immediately.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so from what we've discussed, it should be clear to you how important it is to take care of your baby's teeth and what you need to do about it. In summary:

• Start early: Clean gums before teeth appear. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
• Brush your teeth properly: twice a day, for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste (in the right amount).
• Floss: Use floss to clean between your teeth.
• Visit the dentist: Visit the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears or before the baby's first birthday. Then go regularly (usually every 6 months).
• Reduce sugar: Limit sugary foods and drinks. Offer foods that are good for your teeth.
• Be a role model: When you take care of your teeth, your baby will get used to it too.

Remember, giving your little one the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile is the most valuable thing you can do! The foundation for that is laid at an early age.

If you have any further questions about this, do n't hesitate to ask a dentist. They will be happy to help you.

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