Following my earlier blog on Darren’s bleeding gum and tooth due to the fall last night, I am relieved when the dentist said that he does not have to go through a tooth extraction. Phew! He might not have to lose his front tooth afterall! Doctor has prescribed antibiotics, painkiller and cream that safe him from the agony of pain.

This is his first visit to the dentist and I am afraid that he might not be prepared. Hence, I tried to mentally assure him that things will be fine.

 Mummy: Darren is a brave boy and must not cry or struggle later.

 Darren: I scared ……..<showing his usual cute face>

 Mummy:  Gor Gor (meaning elder brother) has gone through this many times already and if Gor Gor can make it, you can make it.

 Darren: Gor Gor also make teeth before and never cry?! I want mummy to go in with me later.

Mummy: Yes, he never cry. Of course I will be by your side. Doctor will help to make you feel better and you can start eating normally again.

 Darren: <silence>……

 Mummy: Later papa (father) is also going to see the same doctor. Darren will compete with papa. If Darren never cry, Darren will be the WINNER. <This is a common term used by my boys in their constant competition with each other for everything under the sun. I guess “I hit the jackpot” and used the right term that is close to his heart and his face brightened up>.

 While patiently waiting for the doctor while time ticked by, I decided to raise his awareness of proper dental care from the pamphlet in the clinic. Found the brochure informative and I came back to learn more from its source:

What about the right toothbrush?

There are so many to choose from!

Children need to use a child’s size toothbrush. These are designed specifically for the size and shape of a child’s mouth and hands. For example, a large handle can help children control their toothbrush. Soft bristles with rounded ends provide gentle cleaning of teeth and delicate gum tissue. Bright colors or fun patterns can help encourage brushing and make oral care fun.

 Which kind of toothpaste should I choose?

Kids use what they like

One of the best ways to keep your child brushing is by having fluoride toothpaste on hand that is pleasing and easy to use. The taste can make brushing a more enjoyable experience, leading to more thorough brushing. Brushing twice a day results in increased fluoride applications to help strengthen tooth enamel and more opportunities to remove plaque.

 Should children floss?

An essential to good oral health

Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles between teeth and below the gumline. Teaching your children to floss is essential to their oral health. You will have to help your youngest children floss. You should start flossing your child’s teeth even when they have only their primary teeth. To floss properly, wrap an 18-inch strand of floss around your middle fingers and hold a one-inch section tightly, then…Ease floss between teeth. Gently clean up and down several times while curving around teeth at the gumline. Always floss behind the last tooth. Unwind clean floss as you proceed. Be careful not to push floss into the gums.

What role does nutrition play in healthy dental development?

Good diet = healthier teeth

Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Many snacks that children eat lead to cavity formation. Choose nutritious snacks for your child, such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, fruits, and low-fat cheese which are healthier and better for your children’s teeth.

 Source: Crest Dental ResourceNet

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Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.

 

Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.

 

 

Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

 

 

How to Brush – Teeth Brushing Techniques

Source: http://www.colgate.com