10 Tips for Parents About Your Child's Dental Health
As an experienced pediatric dentist at Open Sesame Dentistry, I can attest to the significance of establishing healthy oral habits in kids at a young age. In addition to keeping a smile dazzling, proper dental care is essential for general health. Ten useful suggestions to assist you protect your child’s oral health are provided below.
1. Get Started Early
Start Dental Treatment with Infant Teeth
Dental care must begin as soon as your child erupts their first tooth. When more teeth erupt, clean the tooth with a gentle, moist towel before switching to a little toothbrush with soft bristles. The basis for lifetime dental hygiene practices is laid by early care.
Arrange Your First Dental Appointment
It is advised by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to arrange for your child’s first dental appointment by the time of their first birthday. Early checkups enable the dentist to get to know your child and identify any potential problems before they become serious.
2. Instruct on Correct Brushing Methods
Using Suitable Toothbrush Size & Type
When your child is old enough to not swallow toothpaste, give them a toothbrush that fits their size and age. You should also use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Exhibit and Provide Supervision
Teach your child the proper brushing technique, making sure to cover all of their gums and teeth. When kids are about 7 or 8 years old, or until they can brush properly on their own, supervise them.
3. Promote Consistent Flossing
Establish Healthy Habits
When your child’s teeth begin to erupt closely together, which is often between the ages of two and six, introduce flossing. Plaque and food fragments that a toothbrush cannot reach between teeth can be removed with the use of flossing.
Have Fun
To help your youngster enjoy the process more, use floss picks or flavored floss. Make flossing a daily ritual and floss together to encourage them.
4. Encourage a Nutritious Diet
Minimize Sugary Drinks and Foods
One of the main causes of dental decay is sugar. Restrict your child’s access to sugary drinks, candies, and snacks, particularly in the intervals between meals.
Promote Nutritious Snacks
Offer wholesome snacks such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and veggies. These meals can improve general health and strengthen your child’s teeth.
5. Make Sure You Get Regular Dental Exams
Dental Visits Twice / Year
Make dental examinations a six-monthly ritual. The dentist can keep an eye on your child’s oral health, clean their teeth professionally, and apply sealants or fluoride treatments as needed with routine visits.
Handle Dental Fear
Keep your cool and explain what will happen to make dentist visits enjoyable. Select a pediatric dentist with expertise in addressing dental anxiety in kids and fostering a friendly atmosphere.
6. Set a Great Example For Your Child
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Youngsters frequently imitate their parents’ actions. Demonstrate to them the value of brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist by maintaining proper dental hygiene.
Turn it into a Family Outing
As a family, brush and floss together to help instill the habit. This improves your child’s learning process and adds enjoyment to the routine.
7. Safe Use of Flouride
Fluoride Dental Products and Services
Fluoride helps to prevent decay and strengthen tooth enamel. If your water supply isn’t fluoridated, use fluoridated toothpaste and speak with your dentist about fluoridated treatments.
Track Fluoride Consumption
Fluorosis can result from a fluoride overdose. Make sure your youngster is using the recommended dosage of fluoride toothpaste, and ask your dentist about the proper fluoride levels.
8. Guard Teeth When Playing Sports
Mouthguards
Make sure your child wears a mouthguard to prevent dental injuries if they play sports. The best comfort and protection come from mouthguards that are custom-fitted.
Frequent Inspections
To ensure maximum protection, routinely check the mouthguard for wear and tear and replace it as needed.
9. Steer clear of thumb sucking and pacifiers
Restrict the Use of Pacifiers
Thumb sucking and the extended usage of pacifiers can have an impact on your child’s dental alignment. To avoid oral problems, encourage the weaning of these practices by the age of two.
Offer Substitutes
To assist your child in moving away from pacifiers and thumb sucking, provide comfort and stability in other ways, such as through a cherished toy or blanket.
10. Educate & Give Knowledge
Emphasize the Value of Dental Health
Tell your kids why it’s so important to take care of their teeth. When using instructional resources like books and movies, be sure your language is age-appropriate.
Incorporate them into the Routine
To get your kids interested about practicing good oral hygiene, let them choose out their toothbrush and toothpaste.
References
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2023). Guideline on Infant Oral Health Care. AAPD
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Children’s Dental Health. Mayo Clinic
- Colgate. (2023). Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth. Colgate