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Mummy’s here’s a thread on some facts and tips for your little one’s teeth 
milk teeth are very important even though they eventually come out. They’re important in helping children chew, they’re also vital for speech development and very importantly they maintain space for the permanent teeth and help with the development of the jaw
When children lose their milk teeth before time it can cause a lot of problems like over crowding, under developed jaws and it’ll lead to future orthodontic problems
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most common dental problems in South African children today. It is caused by a process know as “demineralization” which leads to multiple cavities on the children’s teeth
It’ll usually start as little very bright white specks on the teeth and the severity can differ, depending on when it’s detected. Please check your child’s teeth frequently for these specks.
Once it progresses you will see brown spots on the teeth and it can be treated either with flouride gels, getting a filling and the worst case scenario is having them take the teeth out
Parents often only start acting once the children complain about the pain and the noticeable appearance change and by then they teeth may have to get removed which can be a very traumatic dental experience for the child
Some tips on preventing this
- before the first teeth appear, start cleaning the baby’s gums with a soft wet cloth... it’ll make it easier to introduce brushing in their routine
- before the first teeth appear, start cleaning the baby’s gums with a soft wet cloth... it’ll make it easier to introduce brushing in their routine
-When the first several teeth start appearing continue cleaning their teeth with a soft wet cloth (pls don’t introduce toothpaste too early on)
- Don’t dip their pacifiers in anything sweet like honey, sugar or even juice.
- Don’t dip their pacifiers in anything sweet like honey, sugar or even juice.
- don’t let them walk around or sleep with a bottle that is filled with juice, milk, or tea. If they insist on a bottle let it rather have water
- after having sweet treats teach them to rinse with water
- after having sweet treats teach them to rinse with water
- use a soft small toothbrush on them and place a “pea-sized” amount of toothpaste. Toothpaste can be introduced whenever you’re ready but 2 years should be a good starting age 
