Oral Hygiene
Welcome to our devoted team of pediatric dental professionals. We are here to assist you with comprehensive oral health solutions for your kids, helping them maintain a natural, brilliant smile as they develop. A range of professional preventive care is available, but a significant part of your child's oral health comes from good home hygiene habits. During routine cleanings and check-ups, our pediatric dental team will offer insights into the right brushing, flossing, and other oral routines to avoid dental issues and maintain your child’s radiant smile.
Tooth Growth Journey
By around 6 months, your child’s teeth will start to break through the gums, continuing gradually until the age of 3. Baby teeth generally fall out in the same sequence as they appeared, commencing with the front and progressing towards the molars. These are slowly replaced by permanent teeth. The process can cause discomfort, and using teething rinse or cool cloths can aid in soothing your child’s discomfort.
Guiding Through First Dental Steps
Starting from infancy, daily oral cleaning with a soft, damp cloth is recommended. This helps remove any residual milk or formula, preventing bacterial build-up. Once the teeth start sprouting, gently clean them with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush. For children below 2 years, use a small smear of child-friendly toothpaste. After 2, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is suitable. Brush your child’s teeth at least twice daily and introduce gentle flossing once two adjacent teeth appear. Until they reach 7, we strongly recommend that you help them with brushing and flossing.
Oral Hygiene Matters
A healthy set of teeth is crucial for your child's growth and health. Teeth aid in eating, digesting food, correct speech, and guiding permanent teeth into the right places. We suggest you:
- Ensure your child brushes twice daily
- Assist your child to floss daily
- Regularly schedule dental appointments for your child
- Seek our pediatric dentist's advice on preventive care
- Promote a balanced and nutritious diet
- Insist on a mouthguard for your child during sports
- Avoid sweetened beverages during bedtime – substitute with water if your child insists on a bottle
Pacifier, Finger, and Thumb Sucking
It’s normal for babies and little children to suck their thumb or fingers. Most children discard this habit naturally by 4 years of age. If thumb sucking persists beyond this age, our pediatric dentist is available to monitor the habit and help in overcoming it.
