Care for Your Growing Child's Teeth
Help your child brush well at least twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss in between teeth. Avoid snacks with sugar and starch. Watch for the permanent six-year molars which may come in now. To prevent cavities, talk with the dentist about getting dental sealants.
For active children, ask the dentist about using a mouth guard to prevent teeth from being damaged or knocked out during sports. This is important as all teeth, baby teeth and permanent teeth, are needed for speech and to keep other teeth in place. protect the teeth, jaw, and head from injury by using:
- A booster seat on every car ride.
- A helmet for active sports, such as bicycling, skateboarding, skating, skiing, and riding a scooter.
If a permanent tooth is lost or knocked out, take your child to a dentist within two hours. The tooth can often be reattached. Hold the tooth by the crown (biting side). Rinse it gently in cold water. Do not scrub. Place the tooth in a secure container of cold milk or a wet cloth. Be sure to list the dentist's phone number on emergency contacts.