Five Tips for Maintaining Good Pediatric Dental Care During Coronavirus Pandemic
During this COVID-19 pandemic, a few things are set to take the back seat, and a visit to the pediatric dentist is among them. However, ignoring your child’s dental care can be detrimental to their oral and overall health. Remember, children are prone to cavities than adults, and it is paramount to have impeccable dental hygiene to support their oral health; here are five tips to help you maintain your child’s dental health.
Avoid Sugar Consumption
Sugar is not the cause of cavities. The bacteria present in the mouth is the trigger. How? For cavities to form, you need teeth, sugar, and bacteria (we already have a colony of bacteria in the mouth). The bacteria feed on sugar, breaking down the foods to produce an acid solution. The acid attacks the enamel and causes it to weaken. Continuous acid production will eventually cause the enamel to become soft and get cavities.
Furthermore, the acid solution changes the mouth ph. to acidic, creating the perfect environment for cavities to form. It takes 20 seconds for the bacteria to produce an acidic solution and 20 minutes for the saliva to neutralize the ph. This means your child’s teeth are exposed, and cavities are forming for 20 minutes!
Limiting sugar consumption is among the things to avoid if you want your child to have healthy teeth and gums. Make sure they brush or rinse their mouths immediately if they take a carbohydrate. Also, don’t forget to wipe the gums immediately if breastfeeding. Remember, breastmilk contains sugar.
Give Foods for Optimum Oral Health
Proper dental hygiene is the optimal way of preventing decay. However, certain foods may strengthen the teeth and makes them less prone to decay. Increase the intake of:
- Calcium-rich foods include cheese, yogurt, dark green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. Calcium is an essential mineral needed for healthy teeth and bones.
- The teeth also need phosphorus found in eggs, lean meat, fish, dairy, and beans.
- Give plenty of citrus fruits and vitamin c rich foods like broccoli. Vitamin C promotes gum health.
Avoid frequent snacking between meals because it increases the risk of consuming sugar.
Use Fluoride Daily
Fluoride is a mineral that helps support the enamel and maintain the health of the teeth. It is a naturally-occurring mineral found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and water.
Fluoride helps in the reabsorption of minerals to the teeth. Plus, it reverses mild dental cavities. It is therefore important to use it every day when brushing. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children above three years.
Clean the Teeth with the Right Tools
Before the first tooth erupts, using a wet and soft cloth is recommended for cleaning the gums. Once it emerges, add a soft-bristled and kid-friendly toothbrush. Use toothpaste the size of a grain of rice every day. Increase the amount to pea-size when the child turns three.
Use the Right Brushing Technique
Most people usually brush their teeth with back and forth motion, which according to dental professionals, can damage your teeth. The circular brushing technique is recommended for children because it is easy to learn. Remember to brush the child’s teeth for two minutes to ensure you clean every part of the mouth.
Do not forget to floss daily to remove any food particles stuck between the teeth.
What to Remember
Dental hygiene begins at infancy, so visit pediatric dentistry near you to assess as soon as the first tooth erupts. The dentist will also give you steps to follow at home to ensure the gums and teeth are clean and healthy. Also, it is important to examine your child’s teeth every two weeks to check for any symptoms of decay.
Schedule an Appointment
At Sunny Smiles Kids, we have upgraded the safety measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus. When you visit the clinic, you are guaranteed to have safe and excellent pediatric dental care.