Healthy teeth and gums mean a lot to the general development of your child. Good oral hygiene, practised from the earliest years, can help prevent dental caries. So, as a parent, you can make dental care an enjoyable part of their routine and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Those searching for a “Dental clinic near me” for their kids, might already know how important oral health is, but if you don’t here are 7 surefire tips.
1. Start Early: Baby Teeth Matter
Many parents would think that baby teeth are somewhat less important, as they will eventually fall out, but this couldn’t be more wrong. These teeth hold the space for permanent ones that are important in speech development, chewing food, and even for self-esteem. Carelessness may invite early cavities, pain, infection and other oral issues.
But when should dental care start? Dental care should begin well before that first tooth ever pops in! After feeding, take a soft cloth and wipe your baby’s gums. And after that first tooth comes in, break out the baby toothbrush. Don’t forget to make plans for that first dental visit when they turn about one year old.
2. Make Brushing Fun
It’s a chore to have a toddler or small child brush their teeth day in and day out, but making it fun is the name of the game. Surprisingly, there are so many different ways one can make brushing either into a game or a special bonding activity.
- Let them choose: Give your child a sense of ownership and allow them to select a fun toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character. This adds to the excitement of brushing their teeth.
- Songs for brushing: Because most children enjoy music, find or create a fun two-minute song about brushing. Not only will it keep them entertained, but it also could encourage them to brush for the recommended amount of time.
- Reward system: Develop a simple reward system where your child gets stickers or small prizes for brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing. Rewards are ways to acknowledge positive behavior and make kids feel good about themselves.
3. Teach Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
It’s also very important to teach your child not only to brush and floss but also how to do it right. Bad techniques can lead to missing some spots, allowing plaque to build up and create future problems.
- Brushing: Guide the child to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums, with gentle circular motions, in order to brush all surfaces of the teeth. Ask him/her to brush for two minutes, giving more attention to the back teeth and along the gum line, where much of the food particles get trapped.
- Flossing: Once your child’s teeth start touching, he should learn to floss. Show him how to take the floss and slide it smoothly between the teeth, and curve it in a C-shape around each tooth. Use fun, kid-friendly flossers to make this process simpler.
4. Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Of course, sugar is a major culprit of childhood cavities. It feeds all the bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay. While eliminating all sugar from your child’s diet may be unrealistic, reduction and alternatives will go a long way toward protecting their dental health.
- Limit sugary drinks: Drinks containing added sugars like soda or juice result in tooth decay while the child constantly sips or drinks them throughout the day. For developing children, water and milk are considered the best options. Children can have some juice, but make sure to keep the amount small by diluting the juice with water.
- Wholesome snacks: Gummies, chocolates and candy are sticky snacks that stick to the teeth. They are the perfect fuel for bacteria that cause harm. Healthier options include fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which foster healthy teeth and gums.
5. Regular Dental Check-Ups are Non-Negotiable
Regular dental visits will help in maintaining your child’s good oral health. During such visits, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and look out for cavities and overall dental development. They may also apply fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect the teeth from decay.
How often should he or she go? According to the experts, visiting a dentist every six months is highly appreciable. This allows them to be comfortable with the dentist’s office and diminish any anxiety about going to the dentist in the future.
Conclusion
Your child’s dental health needs to be a part of his general development. Good oral hygiene habits established early will set the path for lifelong healthy teeth and gums. Healthy habits and regularly visiting the dentist will set them up with a bright, healthy smile. It is consistency, education, and a little bit of creativity that make dental care for kids a positive experience.
