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Symptoms and courseThe child's oral hygiene should already begin in infancy. Until the first teeth erupt, this consists of washing the gums with a sterile swab moistened with boiled water after each feeding.
Tooth care for babies and children - Symptoms and course
The first milk teeth should be cleaned with water and a toothbrush only. A common problem for parents is so-called bottle tooth decay, which occurs as a result of holding the bottle for a long time or falling asleep with the bottle in the mouth, so it is best to take the bottle away from the child immediately after feeding. Pregnant women and children under 6 years of age should not take the antibiotic tetracycline, as it can cause subsequent discolouration of the teeth.
It is very important to stop the child from sucking his or her thumb and using a dummy before the age of four, failing to do so can lead to malocclusion in the future.
When the first deciduous teeth appear (around 6 months of age), it is important to visit the dentist for the first time. This will be an adaptation visit during which the parents can receive valuable information from the dentist. The hygiene of milk teeth is very important because their decay progresses very quickly. Losing milk teeth too early can cause malocclusion.
From the age of 2, the child should be encouraged to brush his or her teeth independently. Until the child is fully proficient in brushing his or her teeth, brushing should be initiated by the child and the parent should re-brush all tooth surfaces.
The toothbrush and toothpaste should be adapted to the child's age and the amount of toothpaste should not be larger than a pea grain. From the age of 6, age-appropriate rinses can be introduced into daily care and the child can already be taught to floss, preferably after the appearance of the first permanent teeth.
It is very important not to give children any drinks containing sugar after brushing their teeth in the evening. Water or bitter tea can be given.
Regular check-ups at the dentist's should not be forgotten, at an interval of no more than 3 months.