Every milestone in your child’s life feels essential as a parent, and one of the most important is teething when they are growing. Ensuring your children’s dental health is vital for their overall well-being. Even a cracked or broken tooth, which might result from an accidental fall or chewing on something hard, can be repaired effectively, often making you forget it ever happened.
If you are always concerned about your kids’ teeth and wonder what to do when they break them, this article is just for you.
How Is a Teeth Cracked or Broken?
Before discussing dental procedures, it is helpful to understand the mechanism behind a broken or cracked tooth.
The protective outer layer of teeth, enamel, is one of the strongest tissues in the human body. However, it can still be damaged.
Kids’ teeth can be harmed in various ways, such as falling while playing, chewing on a pencil, or eating something hard. Hard candies, ice, potato chips, and dried fruits are common culprits behind broken teeth.
To prevent this from happening, it is essential to educate and follow dental hygiene for kids.
How Can You Help Your Kids in Keeping Their Teeth Clean?
Maintaining dental care for kids is essential even before their first tooth appears. Babies require gum cleaning, which can be done by gently rubbing a clean and damp washcloth over the gums after each feeding. As your child grows older, here’s how you can help them:
- Children under 3 Years old: Help them brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride or a toothpaste suggested by their dentist.
- Children 3 years and Above: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and help them brush twice daily. Teach them to spit out the toothpaste and start flossing once a day when their teeth begin to touch.
- Children 10 Years and Older: Children of this age can brush and floss on their own, but they should be reminded to brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes.
When Should You Visit a Family Dentist?
Your child should ideally visit a family dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Early dental visits help detect problems and acclimate your child to the dental environment, reducing anxiety.
What Happens at a Dental Visit?
When you visit your child’s dentist for the first time, the dentist will conduct a short examination by checking gums and teeth.
The dentist will thoroughly examine the kid’s gums and teeth as they age. This is followed by a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. If needed, the dentist might take X-rays to check for hidden issues. They will also provide fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and offer tips for brushing and flossing.
Finally, the dentist will discuss necessary treatments and schedule the next checkup to ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy.
Is Fluoride Safe for Your Child?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and soil. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
To ensure that your child gets the right amount of fluoride:
- Check if your drinking water contains fluoride. If it doesn’t, you can ask your dentist for a fluoride supplement.
- Check with your dentist to find the proper schedule for getting fluoride treatment for your kids’ teeth.
- When your kid is old enough to rinse and spit on their own, check with your dentist if they can also use a fluoride mouthwash.
Additional Tips That You Should Know
Here are some more dental care tips for your child:
- Give breast milk or formula from a cup when your baby is six months old. By age 1, they should drink from a cup.
- Avoid giving juice to kids under 12 months. For older children, ensure the juice is 100% fruit juice and limit intake.
- Do not let your child sip milk or juice from a bottle at bedtime.
- Offer these at mealtimes and ensure they brush their teeth afterward.
Final Words
Caring for your kid’s teeth begins early, even before their first tooth appears. Good dental hygiene routines and regular dental visits can help their teeth stay healthy and strong.
Ensure Your Child’s Bright Smile
For comprehensive dental care for your kids, visit Hopkins Family Dentistry. Our experienced team is here to provide expert care and advice to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Contact us today at (952) 935-2121 to schedule an appointment and secure your child’s bright and healthy smile!
