One of the phrases that parents will utter on a daily basis to their
children is "go brush and floss" at bedtime. However, many children
skip this necessary nightly ritual. It's therefore important for parents to
check whether the children have actually used their toothbrush and floss before
bed.
Introducing Children to Brushing Early
General advice regarding brushing and flossing a child's teeth suggests
beginning these rituals very early when the child is still an infant and the
parent must brush the child's teeth. When the child gets his or her first
teeth, a family dentist Colorado Springs may recommend rubbing the teeth
with a simple wet cloth to keep them free of debris.
As the child grows, the parent will introduce toothpaste to the ritual and
will eventually add flossing into the mix. For the first few years when a child
is old enough to brush his or her own teeth, it may behoove the parent to
accompany the child to the bathroom to make sure the child is brushing
correctly.
Creating a Daily Habit of Brushing
When a parent begins brushing a child's teeth when the child is only a few
years old, the child will benefit from remembering a lifetime of brushing.
There will be no memories of going to bed without brushing the teeth, so the
process will be as ingrained as putting on pajamas and getting tucked in at
night by a parent.
If a child resists brushing his or her teeth because of the strong taste of
toothpaste, there are pastes available that have a mild or sweet flavor. There
are also floss options that are flavorless or have a flavor that is attractive
to children like bubblegum. The child will eventually give up these childhood
flavors for standard adult toothpaste.
Preparing to Visit the Dentist
Another benefit of teaching a child how to brush his or her teeth early in
life is that visiting the dentist won't feel so scary for the child. It can
help to bring the child to a family dentist or a dentist who specializes in
working with children, and familiarity with brushing can also help a child feel
comfortable at the dentist's office.
Teaching a child to brush his or her teeth regularly is one of the most
important habits a parent can offer. It is never too early to begin lessons on
good oral care and brushing the teeth twice a day.
Teeth might chip or crack for a variety of reasons. An accident could cause damage, but it's also very likely that the tooth cracked or chipped because of tooth decay. Either way, it's important to speak with a dental professional promptly. While a chipped tooth might seem alarming, it might or might not be an emergency.
Is a Cracked Tooth an Emergency?
When a tooth cracks or chips, it's a good idea to call the dentist as soon as possible. However, a
This is true even if the tooth feels a bit sensitive. If a tooth chips or cracks late at night, it's probably fine to wait until the next day if there's not a lot of pain.
Of course, it's a good idea to see the dentist within the next few days to avoid the chance of an infection or further damage. Either of these things may turn a broken tooth into an emergency very quickly. If the damage isn't that serious, it's very likely that the dentist can save the tooth and repair the damage without much fuss.
If it takes a day or two to get to the dentist, try to avoid using that tooth. It might also be a good idea to use a gentle hand with the toothbrush and avoid flossing around that tooth. Some toothpastes and mouthwashes help control sensitivity.
When is a Broken Tooth an Emergency?
If the tooth has broken all the way off, dentists might consider that a more urgent situation. It could be a sign of more serious damage, decay, or even an infection.
Some decay starts on the inside of the tooth, so the tooth's owner won't notice it until the tooth breaks. Try to avoid using that tooth and call the dentist right away.
Again, the first question that the dentist will probably ask is how much the tooth hurts. The people at the dentist's office should be able to ask the right questions to determine if a broken tooth is an actual emergency or can wait a few days. A call to a local dentist can offer good advice and peace of mind.