It’s important not to lose a tooth to tooth decay as a baby because baby teeth hold spaces open for adult teeth to come in. So if baby teeth are lost prematurely, the teeth that are left may move and not leave room for adult teeth to come in.
Why healthy baby teeth are important
There are quite a few reasons why maintaining healthy baby teeth is important. For example, baby teeth hold spaces open for the permanent teeth to come in. Also, baby teeth form the shape of your child’s face and make it easier for your child to talk more clearly. Finally, baby teeth help make chewing and eating easier. Take care of primary teeth by making brushing fun for kids.
Make brushing fun for kids
The best way to introduce your child to basic dental care is to use an educational and fun approach. For example, you can try reading age-appropriate books and watching videos about dental hygiene. Your child will enjoy your time together, and it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce healthy habits like brushing and flossing.
Purchase a special toothbrush
There are various ways to make brushing fun for kids; one of the best ideas is to buy a special toothbrush. For example, you can buy cartoon character toothbrushes for kids, such as Paw Patrol, Spiderman, or Minion. Don’t overlook the wonder of including toys in everyday life for your child. You can begin making brushing fun with a special toothbrush by creating games to play.
Make it a game
For example, with a Spiderman toothbrush, your child can chase after “germies” and defeat “sugar bugs.” As a parent, you can also make up a story about the invisible enemies in-between their teeth that need to be flossed away. Another fun idea is to dress your child in a simple cape as a way for them to play the role of a hero and defend their mouth with toothpaste, a toothbrush and floss.
Make brushing fun for kids with role-playing
Another great way to make brushing fun is to create your in-home dental clinic. Grab a handful of stuffies as patients and ask your child to be the dentist. The first step is to show your child how to brush their teeth; then, they can try to brush your teeth. Once patient number one is done, your child can begin cleaning the mouths of the rest of the patients.
When should you begin brushing your child’s teeth?
As pediatric dentists, we recommend that parents brush their children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. The moment your child’s first tooth emerges, you can begin to gently brush it clean twice daily using only a tiny amount of toothpaste. If it’s time for a dental cleaning, you can prepare your child by reading Preparing Your Child for a Dental Cleaning.