Why should I take care of deciduous teeth, they get replaced by permanent teeth?

1) The health of primary teeth affects the permanent teeth. Any infection from primary teeth can travel down and affect the permanent teeth as well.

2) If the children are taught good oral hygiene habits from early childhood, they continue these habits in future.

3) When primary teeth are taken care of, children can be protected from the pain and discomfort due to damage of the teeth.

How can you ensure good health of teeth?

• Monitor their brushing: Teach them how to brush.

The bristles should be at an angle to the gums.

Chose the right brush, according to their age.

Get them into the habit of brushing twice daily.

You can encourage them to brush by showing them some educational videos.

• Brushing tongue is equally important.
• Diet: Children eat a lot of junk. Chocolates, chips etc get stuck into the teeth and cause decay. As far as possible, cut down the in between munching. Encourage them to gargle after every meal. Give them healthy snacks to munch on.
• Keeping the brush clean: The brush should be washed well with water and left to dry. It should be changed within three months.
• Fluoride applications: Fluoride has anti caries property. Regular applications by the dentist can prevent formation of new caries. Children can also use fluoridated tooth paste at home safely. Any child above 1.5 years can use a fluoridated toothpaste
• Visit your dentist regularly for a check up every 6months.