Appropriate dental care is indeed necessary to address infants and toddlers dental problems. Pediatric dentist is specialized in dentistry for children, providing assistance in the development of child’s dental development. They also inform parents about proper oral hygiene that they must administer for their child’s dental hygiene. This is necessary to prevent the formation of plaque that may cause serious dental problems. Before such conditions exist, follow the pediatric dental tips listed below:

•    Teeth Cleaning – The primary teeth began to erupt as early as four months. Clean your baby’s teeth with a soft, clean cloth after breastfeeding, drinking milk in a bottle and feeding. Remove the bottle containing anything except water when your baby began to fall asleep. When your child has more than one tooth that had already erupted, brush gently with a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush. When brushing, use enough amounts of toothpaste; make sure that it does not taste strong for them. Parents should replace children’s toothbrushes every 2-3 months of use. Children must learn how to brush their own teeth.

Acids and sweets are the primary agents in the formation of plaque. Food intake left in between the teeth and on the areas that have been difficult to reach when brushing when attacked by acids can cause tooth decay. Teach children to brush their teeth after eating and drinking sweets and medicines.

•    Visit the dentist after 1st year of birth – It is advisable for children to have their initial dental examination when they reach the age of 1 year old. This is to get familiar with the dentist and the dental clinic. It is where dentist discusses dental guidelines on oral hygiene and nutritional intake with the parents. Dentistry for children will recommend follow-up visits when necessary depending on dental condition of the children and their reaction on the initial visit.

•    Dental Sealants – This is used as fillers to protect teeth from having tooth decay, and it can be applied as soon as the tooth erupts. This is to ensure possible space for plaque to be sealed.

•    Dental Watering – This is fluoride water passed through water system in which will effectively prevent tooth decay.

•    Dental Cleaning – This is required only when the brush cannot reach the plaque in the between teeth. It is recommended by the dentists when brushing the teeth of the children.

•     Dental Flossing and Mouth Washing – This is essential to remove plaque in between teeth. Parents should initiate to do this on children who have low dexterity level. Children at the age of six and above are capable of floss their own teeth.

Besides the tips above, avoid feeding your child sugar-coated snack. Sugars are left by the tongue and are transferred to the child’s teeth. The foul odor is also transferred to the child’s mouth when saliva is deficient.