Rules for Caring for Children's Teeth 0 63

Dentists recommend coordinating summer vacations with the schedule of preventive dental visits. The first visit should take place in the first month of the child's life. Usually, the pediatrician refers the child to the dentist to check the compliance with age norms of the structure and development of the oral cavity. At this stage, serious pathologies can be identified.

The time for the second visit is when the first tooth erupts. During this visit, the dentist can not only identify developmental deviations but also explain what the enamel of the teeth will be like. Based on this, the specialist will explain to the parents how to care for the child's teeth. The frequency of visits is determined by the dentist; on average, young children visit him once every 4 months. When the primary dentition is completely replaced by permanent teeth, the frequency of visits decreases to once every 6 months.

Hygiene During Vacations

Regular and thorough cleaning of the oral cavity, regardless of circumstances, is the key to healthy teeth. A pediatric dentist will explain how to properly brush teeth during visits. It is important to remember: tooth brushing is introduced into the daily routine after the first tooth appears. To help the child develop the habit of thorough tooth brushing, solutions and tablets that stain dental plaque can be used. This makes the plaque visible, providing the child with a visual motivation to maintain hygiene. Usually, a month of using such products is enough to establish the tooth brushing skill.

Additional motivation comes from the example of parents. Ideally, brushing teeth together with the child is best so that he can see how mom and dad do it. Children learn from adults. Unfortunately, many parents wake up earlier and go to bed later than their child, so he does not see them brushing their teeth.

If Baby Teeth Start to Fall Out

There is no need to panic if the change from baby teeth to permanent ones coincides with vacation time. This is a natural process: a baby tooth usually loosens on its own when the child bites something or touches it (only with clean hands). You should only contact dentists if a permanent tooth has already erupted, but the baby tooth has not fallen out.

Summer with Braces

If your child has just had braces put on and you have gone on vacation, it is essential to strictly follow all the recommendations of the orthodontist. It is important to maintain hygiene, which changes with the installation of braces. Brush teeth twice a day, removing food residues with a brush and toothpaste. Rinse the mouth after each meal. It is also important to adhere to the diet prescribed by the dentist; avoid hard foods such as nuts and pits, and do not bite with the front teeth.

If a bracket comes off or another problem arises, contact the doctor immediately and make an appointment at the clinic. If the integrity of the braces system is compromised, do not pull anything off; if something has fallen off, do not throw it away, but bring it with you to the dentist.

If it is not possible to see a doctor urgently, there is a telemedicine service — a consultation with a doctor by phone. Through telemedicine, you can receive comprehensive advice from a specialist remotely. He will advise on how critical the situation is and how to alleviate the child's condition.

Emergency Kit

Be sure to take a pain reliever from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with you. These medications relieve inflammation and reduce pain simultaneously. In case of dental injury, it is useful to have a chlorhexidine solution or saline. They will help clean the damaged area and preserve a permanent tooth in case it falls out or breaks. According to recommendations, while you are on your way to the clinic, place the whole tooth or its fragments in saline, and ideally — in milk. Remember: a permanent tooth can be saved if it falls out. The main thing is to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If the child complains of tooth pain or swelling is visible in the area of the tooth, give NSAIDs and urgently go to the dentist. If you are vacationing abroad, do not wait to return home. Immediately contact the insurance company and go to the clinic they recommend.