Despite their hard exterior, your child’s teeth are just as much a living structure as any other part of the body. As we consume a lot of sugar, they are continuously in danger from our diet. Bacteria use sugar as a fuel source to create acids that damage the enamel, the tooth’s protective coating. When this occurs, it doesn’t take long for bacterial decomposition (decay) to move down the root canal to the nerve, resulting in swelling and discomfort. You should consult your dentist for an examination and treatment if your child is experiencing any pain from a tooth or from the teeth and gums in general, whether it be a dull throb or a sudden twinge.
Sequence of appearance of teeth
The ages mentioned here are simply a general guide because the ages at which teeth appear vary significantly from child to child. Some infants are born with one or more teeth, while others are still without any by the time they are a year old. Teeth erupt at different ages, and the order in which they do so is more significant. There is no need to be concerned whether teething occurs early or late.
By age 6 or 7, the first adult tooth that should erupt is the first permanent molar. Due to its early eruption and location right next to the second primary molar, many parents may mistake this tooth for a baby tooth. In order to allow the permanent teeth to erupt into the proper position before the incisors (front teeth) develop, the primary teeth must be removed early. The primary cuspids (canines) and molars lose their teeth in a variety of sequences.
How to manage a toothache in a child
As you wait for expert assistance, a few home remedies may be beneficial if the toothache is not too severe. Just swallow acetaminophen as directed. Never put a tablet in the cheek next to a tooth that irritates. This could give the gum tissues a “chemical burn.”
DECAY PREVENTION
Fluoride
A naturally occurring mineral called fluoride has been demonstrated to make teeth more resistant to acid assault and so reduce the incidence of tooth decay. Fluoride is added to the water supply in many parts of the nation. If the fluoride level in your local water supply is low, your dentist may advise giving your child extra fluoride in the form of tablets or drops. Giving fluoride in the form of toothpastes, rinses, or topical applications can be beneficial once the tooth emerges and appears in the mouth.
Diet
Tooth decay is primarily caused by eating sugar. To prevent tooth decay, it’s crucial to limit your child’s candy consumption in terms of quantity, frequency, and kind (sticky sweets are worse than liquids).
Nighttime beverages
Never put a baby or young child to bed with a bottle of juice, sugar water, milk, or formula because the liquids can collect around the teeth and cause serious decay. If you must give your child a bottle, only use clean pacifiers or fill it with simple water (one that is not dipped in any sweet liquid).
Taking care of your child’s teeth
The purpose of teeth cleaning is to get rid of the bacterial plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms, especially near the junction of the tooth and gum). Plaque prevents decay and periodontal disease from occurring.
Make sure to thoroughly brush and floss your child’s teeth at least once every day. Use a clean, damp piece of gauze to initially clean your baby’s teeth and gums. Your kid may be held firmly on your chest while sitting on your lap, which may be the ideal position for this.
By allowing the young child to assist you later on with a small toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste, you can help your child develop the habit of brushing their teeth. By making sure you complete a thorough washing and rinse after this procedure. The ideal way to brush a young child’s teeth is from behind. A youngster should be able to brush their teeth with supervision when they are 6 years old. When the youngster is around 8 years old, they can floss on their own, without adult supervision. The effectiveness of the child’s cleaning can be evaluated by a parent by utilizing revealing tablets or a solution to find any remaining plaque.
