Contrary to popular belief, oral hygiene is important for children from the day they are born. Parents may think that children need not be meticulous about their hygiene until they are older, but that shouldn’t be the case.
You can’t always rely on dental professionals to take care of your children’s teeth. Pediatric dentists say oral hygiene should always begin at home.
Here are the proper ways to prevent cavities and bacteria from growing inside your child’s mouth:
Good Brushing Habits
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing your teeth is an integral part of your child’s daily dental care routine. What they recommend is a thorough brushing of around two minutes twice to thrice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Make sure your child’s toothbrush is small enough to fit in even the tightest corners of the mouth.
Use an ADA-approved toothpaste for your children. A toothpaste with an ADA Seal will work best for your child’s teeth. Dentists also recommend that you change your child’s toothbrush every three months or when the bristles start to fray. Complement teeth-brushing with gentle flossing and a menthol mouth wash to complete their routine.
Proper Diet
Children have a knack for sweets. Candy, no matter the consistency, is bad for your children’s teeth. Excessive amounts of sugar may stick to or coat the enamel of the tooth, making it vulnerable to bacteria growth.
To avoid any cavities, encourage a healthy, whole food diet from a very young age. Broccoli, strawberries, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms are just some food options for improved oral health. Another trick is to limit your child’s between-meal snacks and cravings. This way, they eat fuller and healthier meals throughout the day.
It doesn’t take a lot to keep your child’s teeth clean. While they’re young, encourage a healthy oral care routine so that they’ll know enough to watch over their dental health when they grow older.
