Dental issues are not uncommon in children, and some of the most common concerns for parents about their kids teeth are cavities and infections. In the United States and worldwide, the CDC has reflected upon the growing issues of poor dental health among children. For example, more than half the children aged 6 to 6 develop a cavity in their primary teeth.
Children with poor oral health often suffer great discomfort and pain and miss more school days and can therefore get lower grades. Any untreated cavities or oral health issues that are ignored can lead to other problems and infections. From cavities at younger ages, to the aesthetics of their smile; kids teeth are important to us all.
Reducing the number of visits to dentists is something every parent aims for. It’s easier when they are a teen to focus on that smile, and organisations like Read AlignerCo review even have invisible teeth aligners for kids without needing to visit dentists. But, it is vitally important, to get into good dental habits from an early age, and keep them well into adulthood.
We can all set a good example by following good oral care and raising our children by showing them the importance of taking care of their teeth on a daily basis. Dental habits that are established from a young age stay with the child life-long and pave the way to develop strong adult teeth.
As parents, you need to understand that babies and children have different dental habits and need different dental care.
- For babies – Clean twice a day with a soft, clean cloth after the first feeding and before bed to get rid of any bacteria and sugars for developing. When teeth come, use a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush to clean them with plain water.
- For children – Use fluoride toothpaste to brush and clean their teeth twice a day with a glass of fluoridated water. Help your child brush properly and watch their brushing skills. Apply dental sealants when appropriate and as per the dentist.
Visit the dentist in case you see any signs of tooth problems early, and start putting fluoride varnish on the child’s teeth if you can, as soon as the first tooth appears.
Here are some essential tips to follow for oral health care for your child right from the toddler stage into their teens.
Brushing regularly and properly is a must for kids teeth
Teach your child the importance of brushing properly and using the right amount of toothpaste. As kids tend to swallow toothpaste, it is essential to watch them and show them how to brush and rinse daily.
Brushing twice a day and for 2 minutes
Set the rule for brushing twice a day and for two minutes. Ideally, train your child to brush his teeth every time he eats something, especially sugary foods. Make brushing a fun activity and let the whole family join in and complete those two minutes of brushing.
Teach the correct method for brushing
It is essential to use the right brushing method and therefore teach your child the proper steps. He should put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush and place it against the gums. Then, he should brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes and ensure that the brush reaches the entire surface of each tooth. He should not forget to brush his tongue.
Don’t miss dental appointments
A regular visit to the dentist is a must to keep your kids teeth healthy. Hence, take your child to the dentist twice a year and make it a normal activity which is important. Encourage your child to ask questions about teeth, brushing, and cavities with his dentist. By the time your child enters his teens, he should be used to regular dental visits and aware of dental issues.
Flossing for good oral hygiene
Do not forget to teach your children the importance of flossing as it can help to get rid of the food and plaque that is stuck between the teeth and along the gum. As it is not possible for the brush to reach those points, it is essential to floss and prevent any bacteria from building up. Children can easily learn how to floss by the time they reach seven or eight years of age.
Develop healthier eating habits
Motivate your child to keep away from junk foods and sugary drinks that can damage oral health easily. When sugar sits on the teeth, it can easily start the decay and lead to cavities. Tell your children that they need strong teeth to enjoy the food and things they love.
Know the importance of developing good dental habits from a very young age, and nothing could be better than setting a good example yourself. It is essential to prevent any dental caries and periodontal disease to support a child’s oral health and social development.
Here are some more tips for setting healthy goals for your child’s teeth:
- Try to get them to brush after every meal, as prevention holds the key here,
- Prevent germs from spreading by avoiding any sharing of things such as cups, bottles, utensils, or other items,
- Sanitize all items that your baby tends to put inside their mouth, such as pacifiers and bottles, to prevent bacterial infections,
- Consider sealants if recommended by your dentist, as they can prevent tooth decay and cavities,
- Let your child make decisions like choosing his own toothbrush and toothpaste and track their progress by a weekly chart,
- Reward your child by taking them out for their favorite pizza or a movie or buy them their beloved book or game,
- Use fluoride toothpaste and brush with fluoride water as this is an effective way to prevent cavities and protect teeth,
- Plan the 1st dentist visit for your child on his or her 1st birthday.
Share the information on this page with others as most parents are aware of oral health care but they are unaware of the right and effective steps that can keep their baby; s or child’s smile healthy for years!
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!