Dental care and good oral hygiene are an important part of every child’s daily routine. Regular dental care not only helps in improving your kid’s oral health but also prevents any painful oral problems. The oral care needs are different in kids throughout their childhood, therefore parents should encourage good oral habits right from the beginning. Here, we will share some tips and tools on taking care of dental health for kids.
Introduce Key Elements Early
According to studies, the first year of a person’s life is a critical time for developing good dental care habits. Hence, start proper oral hygiene habits as soon as possible. One of the main causes of tooth decay in young kids is “baby bottle syndrome”. Therefore, gently clean your infant’s gums and newly erupting teeth every time after feeding with a water-soaked gauge pad. Do not let your baby go to sleep with a pacifier or a bottle filled with milk as it will potentially increase the risk of caries or tooth decay.
As your child turns 3, he/she should brush their teeth under adult supervision. Start flossing your child’s teeth daily once all the milk or primary teeth have erupted. It is recommended that your child spends at least two minutes brushing teeth. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth and prevents the risk of cavities and plaque in future. Make brushing and flossing a part of daily routine. You can add fun element to this daily routine by giving them a vibrant colored toothbrush and bubble gum flavored floss.
Check Eating Habits
Tooth decay is the most common dental condition seen in children. This is because of increased consumptions of candies, colas and snacks among children. These products stick to your teeth, and at times cannot be removed even after brushing. Therefore, parents need to be more vigilant about their kid’s diet and snacks. Minimize the use of snacks that contain sugar, acid and starch. Sugary snacks increase the amount of acidity in the mouth, thereby increasing the chances of tooth decay. Instead use plenty of fruits and salads to satisfy hunger in between meals. Incorporate healthy meals that contribute to the health of gums and teeth.
Visit Dentists Regularly
A child is required to see a licensed dentist by the time he is one year old. After assessing the condition of your child’s teeth, the pediatric dentist will plan the next scheduled meeting. Pediatric dentists provide information regarding oral hygiene and prevention of dental caries. He will also teach you how to prevent dental diseases and other developmental problems. Special attention and care is required to handle the children at a dental clinic, as children are scared of coming to the dentist.
It is important to see a dentist early if the child is having some medical condition like cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome. These medical conditions make them more prone to oral diseases.
The above mentioned measures on dental health for kids will reduce the risk of oral health problems and keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
