3 rules to keep kids' teeth healthy: Dentist's advice
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Parents have a crucial role in maintaining their child's health and teaching proper oral care. There are specific guidelines that contribute to children's dental health, according to the dentist Uliana Nyshchii.
Hygiene
This includes mechanical and regular removal of dental plaque. Correct hygiene practices are paramount for dental health. Parents should start brushing their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears and continue until the child is 10 or even 12 years old. There are special infant toothbrushes available with large handles and small heads with soft bristles.
It's important to monitor the development of cavities in children of any age. Cavities can manifest as chalky-white, yellow, or brown spots.
Nutrition
Children's diet should be balanced and healthy to ensure they receive all necessary vitamins and minerals. Snacks should be nutritious and solid, and water should be clean. It's crucial to limit sticky sweets and candies and discourage children from consuming sugary sodas excessively. Children should be taught to drink plain water and not develop a dependency on sugar.
Parents' example
Parents should consciously approach their child's health and set the right example. If parents neglect dental hygiene, skip dental check-ups, and fail to teach their children from an early age, the children are unlikely to adopt these habits.
For prevention and early detection of dental issues, it's necessary to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Cavities often appear in young children due to early exposure to sweets. Dental check-ups should start after the child turns 3 years old. A positive impact on a child's teeth can be achieved through the consumption of solid foods like apples, pears, and crackers. By the age of 12-13, a child's teeth are usually fully replaced by permanent ones.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
