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Your Dental Health Checklist from Robert Duhig Dentist Sandgate

Robert Duhig Dentist in Sandgate provides top quality care for patients of every age. If you’d like to book a consultation appointment you can do so here. Timeline for teeth Parents are confronted by the reality of painful teething early on in their children’s lives but they are often confused by the best way to care for those tiny chompers. Here is an easy-to-follow timeline for your children’s tooth care by age. Dental health timeline for children • Prior to the eruption of teeth, try to gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet cloth a few times a day. You can time these around feedings. • Brushing will begin when the first tooth arrives. Speak with your dentist about the best brush and paste combination. This is also when you should have your first visit to the dentist to check that teeth are coming in appropriately. • When teeth appear together, you may begin flossing. This may seem silly when they are so small but you are investing in developing a lifetime of good habits. Flossing early will naturalise the process for your children and make it part of your bedtime routine. • After the age of one, you may look at different toothpaste options. Continue your flossing routine. Try to remember your twice yearly dental cleanings and examinations. • If your child uses dummies or is a thumb sucker, talk to your dentist about strategies to put an end to this habit as they may have negative consequences on permanent teeth development. • At around age 6, baby teeth will begin to fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. Painful adult molars will appear which may cause some distress. • When adult teeth have all appeared, it may become apparent that braces are required. You should consult with your dental technician and dentist about this process. When children play sports, you may also want to get them fitted for a mouthguard. Every day dental care The above milestones are significant moments in your child’s maturity. You can ensure they put their best teeth forward by: • Making sure they brush and floss twice a day • Making sure they attend their friendly dentist for twice yearly check ups • Making sure they have a once yearly professional dental clean Make it a habit! Develop an active relationship with your family dentist today to instil positive dental associations in your child. You’re their best chance for a show-stopping smile! Contact our friendly staff today to arrange your family’s dental...

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HELP! My Child Is Getting Braces – What To Expect The First Week

The first few days after getting braces are tough. Your child will likely experience some discomfort and sleepless nights but it isn’t forever. The first week is all about the mouth adjusting to the brackets, hooks and wires and getting used to the pressure on the teeth. The pressure is what will eventually make the teeth move into the right spot. Follow these tips for a much easier and comfortable first week. What to do in the first week of getting braces Offer pain relief New braces have to be adjusted and with this comes discomfort so try to have some mild pain relief on hand. There may also be instances where the cutoff point at the back of the braces moves and can poke the gum or the mouth. If this happens, bring your child back to the dentist to have it snipped and offer pain relief. Keep the braces clean Your dentist will give you a special cleaning pack to keep the braces clean. Have your child get into a good routine to ensure their braces are kept nice and clean by using a soft toothbrush and focusing on each individual tooth as they brush. It’s a good idea to have them brush after lunch too, ensuring that all remnants of food are removed. Offer cold and soft foods In the first week, cold and soft foods are your child’s friend. If you need to cut the food with a knife, it’s best your child doesn’t eat it. Your child will, no doubt, be very happy with the option of ice cream, custard and jelly. Healthier food options are eggs, mashed potato, soup, pureed pears and yoghurt. Avoid spicy and citrus foods While the mouth is getting used to the braces, they can sometimes rub on the gums causing abrasions that can become irritated, particularly by citrusy and spicy foods. It’s best to avoid these foods while the mouth adjusts. Ditch the normal floss Experienced parents and dentists swear by a water jet flosser for children with braces. Although they cost over $100, the consensus is that this is a must-have investment when getting braces. Get your child to sleep on their back If your child is a tummy or side sleeper, try to get them to sleep on their back in the first week. Sleeping on their stomach or side means the lips will be forced into the braces, making them become sore or causing cuts. Put some pillows beside your child to stop them from rolling. Getting braces is a big adjustment, particularly for children, but the discomfort and dietary changes aren’t permanent, just a worthwhile inconvenience for a set of lovely, straight teeth. Even...

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