Oral care is not just about having a good smile; it is also about maintaining a consistent oral hygiene to ensure good health of teeth and gums. Babies and toddlers are at just as much risk of dental decay as adults. When it comes to protecting your baby’s teeth and gums, a bit of effort goes a long way, and the earlier the better. Oral hygiene must start at the very beginning of a child’s life. Even before his or her first teeth emerge, certain factors can affect their future appearance and health.
Parents should start giving attention to the baby’s oral care and prevention of cavities at an early stage. Babies with good oral hygiene stay healthier and happier during their teething period. Even paediatricians recommend a proper oral hygiene routine early in life and cleaning baby’s gums after each feed to remove any bacteria (if any) that may be present. The cavities in primary teeth further increase the risk of developing caries in permanent teeth. Therefore, a baby’s mouth and teeth must be protected with a controlled diet (low in sugar), good quality toothpaste and gum gel and frequent use of the toothbrush. Parents can also choose playful motivation to encourage their children to brush their own teeth and teach them as well.
Here are some oral care essentials to take care of your baby’s teeth and gums:
Gum gel for relief
Gum gel is ideal for soothing minor discomfort connected with the eruption of baby’s first teeth. Additionally, it provides relief to irritated gums and the cooling effect of its formulation. Parents must choose a safe gum gel, in case the baby occasionally swallows it.
Pick the right toothbrush
The toothbrush should have ultra-fine tapered bristles that are gentle on irritated gums and properly clean your baby’s teeth. Use a baby toothbrush with a small head and grip suitable for a toddler’s hand. The rounded bristle ends are soft and gentle to your child’s gums. Good habits of proper teeth brushing right from the first stage of training will help your child to enjoy a lifetime of healthier, stronger teeth.
Gum massager brush
This is a great pick when it comes to complete oral care. Its small and rounded head having soft ribs makes it ideal to soothe irritated gums during their teething period. It also helps your baby to build a habit of how to hold and use a toothbrush. Once the teething period finishes, the baby can be shifted to a toothbrush with innovative ultra-fine tapered bristles to clean a child’s gums and teeth.
It is very essential to choose the right toothpaste for your child’s milk teeth. Make your kids develop the healthy habit of brushing their teeth regularly as they would love the flavoured gel and look forward to brushing daily!
(Inputs: ChiccoOsservatorio Centre – Baby Research Centre)
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