The care of the child's teeth and gums, including hygiene (brushing and rinsing), examinations by dentists (assessing the current condition of teeth and gums), and treatments (use of fluoride, extractions, fillings, or orthodontics).
IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE
Healthy teeth and gums are essential to overall good health. Poor dental development, dental disease, and dental trauma can result in poor nutrition, painful and dangerous infections, problems with speech development, and problems with self image.
CURRENT RECOMENDATIONS FOR DENTAL CARE DURING CHILDHOOD INCLUDE:
Even though newborns and infants do not have teeth, care of the mouth and gums is important.
Ask your pediatrician if and when your infant needs fluoride added to his diet.
Use a damp washcloth to wipe your infant's gums after each meal. As they approach 5 months of age, start adding toothpaste to the washcloth in preparation for brushing teeth.
Do not put your infant or young child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or sugar water. Use only water for bedtime bottles.
Begin using a soft toothbrush instead of the washcloth to clean your child's teeth as soon as his first tooth shows (usually between 5-8 months of age).
Your child's first visit to the dentist should be between the time his first tooth appears (5-8 months) and the time when all his primary teeth are visible (before 2 1/2 years). Many dentists will recommend a "trial" visit to expose the child to the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the office before the actual examination. Children who are accustomed to having their gums wipes and teeth brushed will have fewer problems to having the dentist look inside their mouths.
Your child should brush his teeth and gums at least twice each day and especially before bed. When permanent teeth are established, flossing his teeth each evening before bed should be encouraged.
Additional dental treatments (such as braces or extractions) may be needed during adolescence to prevent long-term problems.
Prevent tooth damage by teaching your child to use appropriate protective gear, safe play practices, and actions to take in case of injuries to teeth, gums, or mouth.
Regular visits to your dentist (at least every 6 months) will ensure early recognition and treatment of problems. Proper care will give your child healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
As your child becomes more active, trauma to his teeth may occur. Lost or damaged teeth (chips, change in position) or gums should be treated as a medical emergencies to prevent infection, tooth loss, or damage to tooth, root, gums, or mouth. Even damage to primary (first) teeth should be treated to prevent future problems with tooth or gum development.
IF YOUR CHILD LOSES A TOOTH DURING A FALL OR OTHER INJURY, YOU SHOULD:
a. FIND THE TOOTH
b. avoid touching the root
c. carefully rinse the tooth in running water (use stopper or strainer to avoid losing the tooth down the drain)
d. place the clean tooth back into its hole in your child's mouth and have your child hold the tooth in place with his fingers. If you or your child are unable to do this, place the tooth in either cold milk, saline (such as contact lens solution), or saliva (under your tongue).
e. take your child and his tooth for immediate medical or dental assistance
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