A Pediatric Dentist Explains Why Children’s Teeth are Difficult to Clean

Children's teeth are difficult to clean for many reasons. If you are struggling to keep your children's mouths clean, they may face dental issues in the future. By looking at the challenges that parents face, you can find solutions that can help you keep your children’s teeth strong and healthy. 

Difficulties with cleaning children’s teeth

Here is why children’s teeth are difficult to clean, according to a pediatric dentist:

1. Uneven teeth

Children's teeth grow in ones and twos. They also fall out in the same way. From the ages of 6 months to 3 years, a child’s mouth will have teeth of all sizes. Some may be fully grown while others are just erupting. A parent has to pay attention to the individual teeth to avoid neglecting new teeth.

2. Fragile milk teeth

A baby is born with their milk teeth right under the gum. Even before the first tooth erupts, you should start cleaning the baby’s mouth after feeding and before bedtime. As the milk teeth begin to show, you should take even greater care of your child’s mouth. The milk teeth have a thinner layer of enamel compared to permanent teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to decay. That is why an essential part of cleaning a child’s teeth is making sure that the teeth stay clean throughout the night.

Do not let your children sleep with a bottle if they are between 6 months to 3 years. If a child sleeps with a bottle, then cleaning the mouth before bedtime will have no effect. You should also make an effort to rinse your child’s mouth after feeding them in the middle of the night. 

3. Gapped teeth

Children have fewer teeth than adults. A child only has 20 milk teeth, which begin to fall out at 6 years old. This means there are many gaps in a child’s gums. It can be easy to ignore these gaps, especially the ones at the very back of the mouth. Take extra care to clean the gums in the places where there are no teeth. You must be careful not to injure the exposed gums with a toothbrush.

4. Loose teeth

A loose tooth comes with its own set of challenges. It causes bleeding and tenderness of the gum. Most children will avoid brushing the loose tooth and the surrounding teeth. Help your child clean the loose tooth by brushing it gently.

5. Crowded or crooked teeth

Crooked teeth are hard to clean no matter how old you are. Unfortunately, children may not have the patience to care for any hard to reach places. This can cause a buildup of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay. You must take the time to guide your child as they brush their teeth. Once your child is old enough, ask your dentist about orthodontic treatment for the child.

6. Toothpaste

While most adults do not mind, children will go to great lengths to avoid the taste of minty fresh toothpaste. Encourage your child to brush their teeth by using children’s toothpaste.

Care for baby teeth like you would the permanent ones

The health of the milk teeth affects the health of the adult teeth. It may not be the easiest thing in the world, but you can keep your child’s teeth clean with a little bit of patience.

Do you want to learn more tips from a pediatric dentistry office? If so, talk to one of our dentists today.

Request an appointment here: https://dgfw-test-textcontrast.dgdevnext.com or call Meshia Azad DDS at (949) 625-1570 for an appointment in our Lake Forest office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist.