Baby teeth complete the tiny wonder’s smile and grin. Baby teeth care is thus essential to ensure oral hygiene from the very early years.

It is never too early to begin practicing good dental hygiene. The earlier you start, the better it helps your child’s teeth stay fit and prevent cavities and other dental problems. “Every smile is beautiful” according to Dr. Angela An, and she can help you with your child’s teeth care.

Common Teeth Problems in Children

Child tooth decay and cavities are the most common dental issues in children. Tooth decay is mainly caused by bacteria. It happens as leftover food particles that have carbohydrates (sugar and starch) remain on the teeth. Ignoring these issues could eventually lead to tooth loss.

Some Tips on Looking After Your Baby’s Teeth

• Caring for Baby’s Gum and Teeth

Baby’s oral hygiene begins from gums and that’s even before their first little tooth arrives. You can gently massage them with your finger or a gauze twice a day. Normally, babies start developing teeth during the age of 6 to 12 months. Once your baby has four teeth in a row, take advice from a pediatrician and start using a soft brush. Make them practice brushing twice.

• Diet

Nutritious food is always important for a healthy diet for our children. Certain foods help in tooth strength and can prevent cavities. Raw fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can strengthen the gum. They also clean the teeth by removing bacteria by the chewing process and also help in saliva production. Other healthy foods include leafy vegetables and calcium- and protein-rich food.

• Fluoride

Fluoride is a great mineral that prevents tooth decay. Fluoride helps in hardening the enamel of the teeth. Consult your dentist for safe and effective ways of fluoride usage.

As your child grows, their oral hygiene habits must also grow with them. Having some regular habits can keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. With your child’s growth,  permanent teeth come in. There lies the rigorous need for dental hygiene and frequent dental checkup.

For all of your dental requirements, contact Dr. Angela An, DDS, in San Francisco. She has specific training in treating elders, children, and patients with a phobia of dentists. For a consultation, call (415) 291-8668 or come to our office at 490 Post St #1020, San Francisco, California 94102.