If you’re like most people, you aren’t thinking about your teeth until you start to lose them. During the crucial time when your baby teeth are falling out and your adult teeth are taking their place, it’s important to take care of your gums and teeth so that you can prevent cavities, abscesses, and other problems that may lead to expensive dentist bills. Here are some common problems faced by children with milk teeth, and how you can help them fix these issues in order to keep their permanent teeth safe for as long as possible.
1) Brushing with fluoride
Toothpaste containing fluoride will aid in strengthening
your teeth and reducing cavities. The American Dental Association recommends
that children under two use a smear of toothpaste, while those two and older
should brush with a pea-sized amount. While using fluoride, you should also be
sure to visit your dentist every six months for an oral exam. You can even ask
about sealants or dental implants if you’re concerned about future problems
with your teeth. It’s never too early to take care of your smile!
2) Drinking lots of water
While water is important for overall health, not drinking
enough of it can cause your teeth to become dry, brittle, or sore. To avoid
these problems altogether, drink a glass of water when you first wake up in the
morning and one with each meal throughout your day. Keeping a bottle of water
at your desk will help you maintain hydration throughout even your longest workdays. If possible, drink bottled water since tap water contains fluoride that
can harm or discolor teeth if consumed too frequently. Also be sure to brush
your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and visit your dentist regularly. By
doing so, you’ll reduce the risks of cavities and gum disease—and keep milk teeth
healthy!
Milk-teeth remedies: When milk teeth do break or fall out
prematurely (as they sometimes do), there are several home remedies that may
provide some relief until they grow back in.
3) Chewing sugar-free gum
While there’s no direct scientific evidence that gum helps
keep your teeth clean, there is some proof that chewing stimulates saliva flow,
which may help prevent tooth decay. If you’re trying to protect your teeth from
decay, then a stick of sugar-free gum a day may not be a bad idea. One study
showed that people who chewed sugar-free gum four times per day had reduced
levels of plaque by 63 percent after six months. However, it's important to
note that any benefit comes with one major caveat: The gum needs to contain
xylitol—not aspartame or other artificial sweeteners—for it to have an effect
on oral health. (And if you're looking for something fun and fruity in your
mouth, try these 10 healthy flavored gums.)
4) Flossing regularly
Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended, but flossing
should also be a priority. Using regular toothbrushes can clean some of your
teeth’s surfaces, but you’ll miss more surface area (like in between teeth) by
skipping flossing. In fact, research shows that most people who don’t floss
regularly suffer from gum disease. If you need help getting started with
flossing, try using a water pick or an electric toothbrush with a built-in
timer. And remember: You should brush for two minutes at least twice per
day—and if possible, once before bedtime as well.
5) Keeping your mouth clean
As your baby teeth begin to fall out, they can collect dirt,
food, and bacteria. To keep your mouth clean, gently brush these baby teeth
using a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you are uncomfortable having them brushed
by you or another adult then it is acceptable for them to be brushed by an
older sibling or friend. However, make sure that whoever brushes their teeth
does so properly; don’t let them rush through it or use too much force. It is
also important that they rinse their mouths with water after brushing. This
will help prevent cavities from forming in their new permanent teeth. Once all
of their baby teeth have fallen out, they should be able to brush on their own
(with supervision) at least twice per day!
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