A smile is the most beautiful language for children, but it's not hard to find that many children nowadays prefer to smile with their lips pursed or to cover their mouths when they laugh. The reason is simply that their teeth are too unsightly. Protecting teeth starts when the baby's first teeth emerge.
Many mothers believe that dental care should begin when a child gets their permanent teeth, as baby teeth will eventually fall out, so it's not important to protect them. In fact, dental care should start when the first primary tooth erupts. Why? First, primary teeth have a good ability to chew food, which helps the development of the jaw and chewing muscles; second, primary teeth help children learn to speak, giving them a good facial appearance and smile; at the same time, they also create a good environment for the direct growth of permanent teeth.
Once primary teeth erupt, bacteria begin to gather in the mouth, which can break down sugar and produce acid; the acid can decalcify the teeth and cause cavities. Therefore, as soon as the first primary tooth erupts, even if the baby is exposed to a limited environment of sugary foods, you should start cleaning the baby's teeth. You can use a small towel to help clean the baby's teeth. Once the habit of brushing is formed, the baby can brush their own teeth.
To protect primary teeth, it is also important to avoid letting the baby get into the habit of sleeping with a bottle, as beverages and milk contain sugar that is harmful to erupting teeth. After primary teeth come in, babies start to love snacks. Sticky foods like candy stay in the mouth for a long time and should also be avoided. It is recommended to add more vegetables, fruits, cheese, and sugar-free fruit juices to the baby's diet.
A reminder for parents here: children should have their first oral health check-up within 6 months after the first tooth erupts, or by the age of 1, and at least twice a year thereafter.