I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
Modern Medicine Saves Lives Every Day
Early Dental Tips For Your Child
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Parents are entrusted with protecting their young children until they are old enough to take care of themselves. In addition to feeding and cleaning them, you are also responsible for getting their oral hygiene off to a good start. But you can't just treat a young child's mouth and teeth the same way you would treat yours. Here are some tips for getting your little one off to a good start.
Good Dental Care Should Start Right Away
Just because your little baby doesn't have teeth yet does not mean you shouldn't be concerned about watching over them. You can wipe their gums clean of food with a wash cloth or a gauzepad after every meal. When feeding from a bottle, be careful not to let the bottle just sit in their mouth all day, as this can cause tooth decay.
You'll Need a Different Brushing Strategy
Once your little one's teeth start to come in, you'll want to gently brush them, but be careful. Some family dentists sell special toothbrushes just for toddlers that are smaller and have softer bristles. You should also be careful about how much toothpaste you are putting on the brush. Toothpaste contains fluoride, and you don't want your baby or young child swallowing too much of this.
Make Brushing Fun
Consider singing a song or talking to your young child in a happy voice while you brush their teeth. Even if they are not old enough yet to understand you, you want them to be able to associate dental care with happy feelings. This can be a great help when the day finally comes to take them to a dentist's office.
Get to the Doctor or Dentist at the First Sign of Teething
Call your local general practitioner and schedule an appointment as soon as you notice the first signs of tooth development. One tooth might not seem like a big deal, but your doctor can still make sure everything is coming in correctly.
In order for their children to make great dental care decisions while they are growing up, parents should get a head start on introducing these practices while the child is still a baby or toddler. Understand that you can't just use the same brushing techniques as you would for yourself. Take time to make dental care a fun experience for your child and they'll be on their way to a beautiful smile. For more information, contact Sound Family Health.
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