When we think of milestones in children’s growth, we often think of their first steps our day at school. But what about their first baby tooth or dental visit?
Dental health is a huge factor in determining the overall well-being of your child. Therefore, you must develop the habit, early on, to take note of your child’s dental development. Your child’s dental health will impact how well they can speak and eat, and how comfortable they are smiling and socialising.
If you’re wondering how to make these vital stages of your child’s life more fulfilling for your entire family, you have found the right guide. Read further to find out just how dentists in Dubai believe you should handle each dental milestone in your child’s life.
Why These Milestones Are Important
Children learn through emulation. For this reason, it is important to show your child that you prioritize tooth care from early on. From exposing them to your flossing, to organising “tooth loss” celebrations, you may want to consider a range of dental support tips. You should also remember that children are likely to be scared of dental change and institutions that represent it. They may have subconscious trauma from the baby tooth growth process, which frequently involves pain and fever. When they lose their first tooth, they’re likely to feel discomfort in their gums for a few days. Therefore, as a parent, you must be present and supportive to ensure your child isn’t disturbed by this process.
Prioritizing Dental Care In Your Home
While milestones are important, daily care is is crucial. Parents must ensure they motivate their children to use their teeth (with chew toys) and maintain good oral hygiene. Make sure you introduce autonomous teeth-brushing early on and encourage your child to brush their teeth after all meals. Dental floss and mouthwash should be available and visible in your home. Care routines should also be a bonding activity for you and your small children.
Milestones You Must Pay Attention To
If you’re going to support your children through their dental milestones, you will need to be prepared for them. You will also need an idea of how to best handle these memorable moments.
- Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are a cute, endearing thought for all parents. They facilitate chewing and signify a new stage in your baby’s growth. Once babies have developed a few teeth, they can comfortably move on to more solid food. However, this stage is often a difficult one for your baby. The first baby tooth eruption will probably occur around the 5th month mark. At this time, you can expect your baby to frequently cry, occasionally have elevated body temperature and (if breast-feeding) to chew harder on the nipple. At this state, your baby is feeling discomfort from the tooth itching through the gum. This discomfort can lead to inflammation, which can be quite worrisome to parents. However, this stage can be facilitated by a trip to the doctor. A dentist examination will assert whether the tooth is erupting in the right direction. Your care professional is also likely to prescribe disposable toys or medication for your baby to ease their pain. Ensure you remain in proximity with your baby at this first dental appointment, providing warmth and comfort through the examination. This will prevent “dentist-phobia” in your child.
- Thumb-Sucking And Bottle-Feeding
While this stage seems more behavioural than dental, it is actually entirely based on tooth growth. The stronger your baby’s teeth, the easier they will be able to hold on to the tip of their bottle without straining to carry it. Furthermore, they are likely to begin sucking their thumb as a comforting motion appeasing the pressure on their gums from tooth growth. This is usually the stage at which you must begin brushing their teeth, using a specialised children’s brush. Ensure you remain gentle and patient. Your demeanor during this process can greatly affect how your child perceives tooth-brushing. Therefore, keep it light-hearted by playing children’s music in the background and most importantly, smile bright!
- Mixed Dentition
This is often a stressful stage for parents because children are rarely conscious, by the time they start to grow “permanent teeth” of the difference between their two set of teeth. At this stage, you should be prepared to frequently rush to the nearest dental clinic after a “tooth accident”. Your children, around this phase, may choose to engage in activities in which they could suddenly lose their teeth (most sports and recess games). They may also begin to experiment with gum and sweets, and can grow cavities on both their baby and permanent teeth. Furthermore, the natural set of your child’s teeth may be jeopardised by “dental overcrowding”, in which a permanent tooth will grow in the same spot as an unfallen baby tooth is set. This stage is crucial, as it is also the one in which your child may start to develop insecurity about their smile. Mixed dentition starts to become apparent around 5 years of age, which often coincides with first days at school and other socialising. As kids meet other kids, it is common for them to make appearance comparisons, which can result in the bullying of children with evident differences. While some of these differences must be embraced, others, like poor dentition, should be tackled from early on with frequent dental visits. Early prevention of over-crowding, cavities and crooked teeth growth could save your child a lot of time in the dentist’s chair as a teenager or adult.
- Braces
If you have followed all the guidance mentioned above, it is likely that your child is not worried by the prospect of dental work. However, it is your support and guidance they will need to access it. If braces are not covered by your insurance, you may be wondering how essential they truly are for your child. However, with the greater access of dental care, fewer kids have to deal with overbites, crooked teeth and gaps. Therefore, it is important to have an early discussion with your child about their “comfort” with their teeth. Ideally, you should be willing and able to invest in braces from the best dental clinic in Dubai
A Concluding Note
If you live in the Emirates, you are fortunate to have an array of skilled professionals from all sectors around you. Just as you would choose the best pediatrician available to you for your child, you should also opt for the best dentist in Dubai. Your first dental appointment with your child should be as early as you can make it. Make sure that you discuss with your chosen professional all the treatments your child is advised to go through over time. If you are looking for braces, dentures or teeth whitening in Dubai services for your child, click here. With a selection of experts versed in all safe, effective dental care practices, you can expect to brighten your child’s smile within only a few sessions. For further information on Dubai teeth whitening or other dental care routines, consult this page