Why is it important to take care of your baby teeth?

The first milk teeth appear at the age of six months. It is wrong to think that it is not important to take care of them because they are only temporary. Decayed baby teeth are unsightly, of course, but more importantly, they are painful and can interfere with the child's eating.

We must also remember that these are nests of bacteria that the swallowed saliva will transport in the digestive system, then in the whole body. It is also crucial to get your child used to having impeccable oral hygiene from an early age. Brushing his teeth becomes a reflex that he will keep all his life.

Finally, the permanent teeth that grow under the baby teeth can be impacted by the cariogenic bacteria of the baby teeth.

From the age of two, the first visit to the dentist is essential

When your child is very young, ask your dentist to spend a few minutes with him or her when you make your own annual checkup.

It will check that everything is fine and it also allows the little one, from the age of two, to get used to the dentist. They become familiar with the office environment by seeing you in the chair and gain confidence.

The choice of the brush

Toothbrushes should always have soft bristles. The head of the brush should fit your child's mouth, as should the handle.

The toothbrush should be changed approximately every three months. As soon as you notice that the hairs are falling out, it's time to move on to the next one.

The use of the toothbrush

When the child is very small, you find ultra soft brushes that allow you to brush his first teeth around the age of six months and to massage the gums that can be painful when the tooth comes out.

As early as age two, you can start using a little toothpaste. Choose a toothpaste with the most neutral taste possible. Any overly strong aromas can cause an unpleasant stinging sensation that will make him dread each brushing session. There are special pastes for baby teeth.

Never neglect the back of the teeth, which accumulates plaque, especially the back of the lower incisors, which soak in saliva.

After two or three minutes of brushing, the child can spit out. A good toothpaste does not need to be rinsed. On the contrary, its action continues naturally until the saliva evacuates it completely.

Your child must brush his or her teeth after each meal, unless it is impossible to do so because of the lunchroom.

After three years

If you get your child used to it early, by the age of three, he or she can be independent and brush on their own. Make sure it does it well and for long enough. Remind him that it is useless to use too much toothpaste, a hazelnut is enough (this is also valid for adults).

The annual visit to the dentist is an opportunity to review and verify that he or she is brushing properly.