Caring for your baby’s gum and first teeth

More often than not, people believe that since deciduous (milk) teeth will eventually exfoliate (shed off), there is no reason to spend valuable time and money to save them or rather in taking care of them.

Come to think of it, they eventually end up under fluffy pillows providing ample of business to the tooth fairy.

This is an age old notion that needs to be broken.

Since parents are the caregivers of children and make decisions on behalf of them, it is highly important they understand the importance of good oral hygiene and the need to seek professional help if a problem arises.

Would you as parents leave out on treating a disease that your child is diagnosed with? If not, then why should dental diseases like caries be left untreated and cause unnecessary pain and discomfort to your child.

Primary (milk) teeth play a vital role in various functions and well being of a child. Eating/chewing, speech, aesthetics and maintaining space for permanent teeth; to name a few. Maintaining good oral health means overall good health and development of a child.

Bursting baby teeth myths

Myth 1: Baby teeth don’t need to be brushed or flossed.

Reality: Be it milk or permanent teeth, they must be brushed twice a day. This ensures that all plaque is removed from the teeth and it also strengthens the enamel.

Flossing helps to remove plaque in hard to reach areas like in between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles cannot reach.

Myth 2: Babies do not need to see a dentist until their milk teeth start falling off.

Reality: It is recommended that as soon as the first tooth erupts in your child’s mouth, you visit a dentist. This not only helps the parents to know what are the dos and don’ts for them to maintain good oral hygiene of the children but also creates a positive introduction of the dental clinic.

Children have a better chance to familiarise with the sounds and sights of a dental set up which are generally very daunting.

Myth 3: Children can brush their own teeth.

Reality: Dentists greatly encourage parents to brush their children’s teeth until they’re at least 7-8 years of age. This is because at an earlier age, children have not fully developed their fine motor skills to adequately brush and floss their teeth.

This not only cultivates good oral hygiene practice from a young age but is also a good bonding time with the kids.

Electric toothbrushes are great tools for children. The fascination of the product itself paired with controlled movement of the brush helps effectively clean teeth.

Myth 4: Cavities are hereditary.

Reality: This is untrue! With a few exceptions, cavities are preventable majority of times. Genetics play a very small role in dental health.

Most cases of caries (decay) are due to poor oral hygiene and if left untreated, can worsen the damage both to the milk tooth as well the underlying permanent tooth bud.

Few pointers to take care of that gorgeous smile of your baby

• Run a damp cloth over your baby’s gums after feeding to prevent plaque build up

• Once the child has his or her first tooth, cleaning it with a damp cotton wool/gauze helps to keep the bacteria at bay

• A soft toothbrush may be used once your child has a few teeth in his oral cavity

• Opt for a tootbrush with a small head and a long handle to make it easy to reach all areas

• Replace your baby’s toothbrush every 3 months or as soon as you see signs of wear (fraying of bristles)

• Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle or breast nipple in his/her mouth. This may seem an easy way of soothing the baby.

The sugars from the milk may remain on the baby’s teeth for hours and cause the enamel to be eaten away with time

Regular dental care is important for every individual and children should be no exception. After all, they’re our future leaders.

The author is a dentist based at Ebrahim Haji Charitable Health Centre in Dar es Salaam.