Can we all agree that growing kids have the most fragile and best set of teeth? However, how we care for their teeth matters the most.
Dental care is essential to the overall wellness of a growing child. They assist your child in eating and talking. Maintaining solid oral hygiene helps the child create a good dental habit as they grow
Unarguably, practicing poor oral hygiene can lead to infection, illness, tooth decay, or other severe dental issues.
Make Dental Practices Fun with these Tips for kids:
- Allow kids to assist in selecting their toothbrushes. They can select one with their favorite color or character.
- Allow kids to participate in the selection of toothpaste. They can select their preferred flavor.
- Watch or read about dental hygiene in books or on television.
- Set a timer to ensure that children clean their teeth for 2 minutes. Play their favorite music to help them keep time.
- Reward youngsters who practice proper dental hygiene. Give them no food or sweet treats. Instead, provide something nutritious or simpler, such as apple slices or a gold star.
- Plan a fun and engaging activity to do after your child’s dentist appointment. This is to make them look forward to more visits.
Steps to Improve Oral Hygiene for Kids
1. Invest in Fluorides for Kids
Fluoride is essential for the development of your child’s oral health. It has been shown to minimize cavities in both children’s milk teeth and in adult (permanent) teeth.
It also strengthens teeth by strengthening the enamel. Fluoride is found in most children’s drinking water. Fluoride is needed to be added to tap water in several cities. Liquid purifiers like Water filters do not remove fluoride and are therefore safe to use. Water filters with “reverse osmosis” should not be used.
If your water lacks fluoride, your youngster may require an oral fluoride supplement. Seek the attention of your doctor to see if your child requires this. When your child first visits the dentist, he or she will receive a fluoride treatment or a cleaning.
However, it is important to note that excessive fluoride can cause tooth stains and be harmful to your child’s oral health. Carefully ensure your child does not swallow fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Also, follow all instructions for fluoride supplements before consumption.
2. Start Oral Hygiene Early
Dental hygiene should begin as soon as your child is born. Around the age of one or two, begin using a soft child-size toothbrush.
Brush your child’s teeth with water at least twice each day. You can also mix in a little amount of fluoride-free toothpaste.
This toothpaste is safe for your child to consume. When your child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste, you can move to fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Use only a little amount. Teach your youngster to distribute it evenly across their teeth, gums, and tongue. Show your doctor or dentist how to properly brush your child’s teeth.
Until they are 7 or 8 years old, your child will probably They can start using a larger-sized toothbrush at this point. Every three to six months or when the bristles start to look worn, you should replace your toothbrush. For two minutes, children should wash their teeth
Another essential component of your child’s dental hygiene regimen is flossing. Introduce your child to daily flossing. To make flossing easier, you can purchase floss with a handle.
Additionally, you ought to teach your kid how to brush their tongue. By doing this, the amount of bacteria in the mouth is decreased.
3. Give Kids Healthy Diets
Children who consume a lot of sweet foods and beverages also have a higher chance of developing cavities. It’s crucial to choose nutritious foods. Limit your intake of sugar. Limit the amount of soda, fruit juice, and other sugary beverages your child consumes. Avoid eating or drinking anything sweet between meals. Make sure your child brushes their teeth right away if they do consume sweets.
Gum chewing is safe for older children. It may have advantages like:
- boosting jaw strength.
- aiding saliva production.
- removing food particles with water.
- acid balance that can prevent tooth decay
- improving breath.
- However, sugar-filled gum might result in cavities. You should either limit your child’s sugar gum use or only offer them sugar-free gum.
4. Watch out for Cavities:
The teeth can develop holes, or cavities, over time. When bacteria (germs) accumulate in your mouth, these can happen.
Sugary meals and beverages is converted to acid, which can damage your teeth. Children frequently get cavities because brushing their teeth can be challenging. It is important that everyone practice a good oral hygiene.
People who have cavities can transmit the bacteria that causes them to newborns, young children, and unborn children.
If your child might have any of the following:
- have brown or white patches on their teeth.
- possess continuous particular medical demands.
- avoid visiting the dentist frequently.
- had low birth weights or were born prematurely.
5. Practice Mouth Safety
A significant component of dental hygiene is mouth safety. A mouth guard should be worn by your child if they participate in sports.
The lips and teeth are occasionally covered by this soft plastic retainer. It assists in preventing damage to the mouth of your child. If you require a mouth guard that is specially made for you, consult your dentist.
Very Important Questions to Ask Your Dentist
- Does my child require fluoride supplements to be taken orally?
- What kind of toothbrush is preferable for my kid?
- Is mouthwash safe for my kid?
- Are cavities a serious concern for my child?
- How frequently should I take my child to the dentist?
- Do dental X-rays pose any risks to my child?
- Does my kid have permission to chew gum?
Reference:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry [1]
