Teaching children about brushing and flossing everyday will set them to avoid complicated dental procedures in the later years of their life. Though a good dental care is very important for everyone irrespective of age, instilling good habits during the early stages of a kid’s life will help prevent the dread that is often associated with frequent dentist’s office visits. In addition, a good dental health in kids translates to healthy adult teeth.
Dental health tips for kids:
Oral care starts even before the child develops its teeth. Developing proper oral care routine helps protect the child from getting tooth decays and other health issues. Here are some tips that can help ensure good dental health in kids:
1. Proper dental hygiene habits as early as possible:
Proper dental hygiene habits should start as early as possible. The infant’s gums as well as the newly erupting teeth should be thoroughly wiped with water soaked gauze pad after each feeding.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste:
A fluoride toothpaste should be used as soon as the milk tooth erupts (Usually around 6 months) which helps prevent and control tooth decay. For children under the age of 3, a fluoride toothpaste that contain at least 1000 ppm of fluoride and for children between 3 to 6, 1350 to 1500 ppm of fluoride containing toothpaste should be used. However, it should be made sure that kids do not lick or eat the toothpaste.
3. Proper brushing technique:
It is important to make sure that the kids brush their teeth properly. Knowing how to brush properly using the right technique help kids develop good oral health habits from their early stages itself. However, describing the proper technique of brushing need not be complicated for parents. Instead, they can use simple steps to explain how to hold the brush and its movements for kids to make a good start.
4. Flossing:
Flossing is important for good dental health which can eliminate particles between teeth that the brushing activity missed. Even though it is tough, it can help prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Flossing kids teeth should begin when their last two molars come together, which usually occurs between ages 2.5 to 3.
5. Nutritious food:
It is vital to make sure that the kid eats nutritious food to maintain a good dental health. Hidden sugars in foods and beverages are more likely to cause cavities. Instead, switch on to real fruits juices which are not only nutritious but also the likelihood of getting cavities are very less. Eating raw fruits and vegetables, non-processed cheese, and milk and yogurt, are healthy food options that can be included in kids diet for a good oral health.
Limit sticky foods that cling to the teeth and cause cavities. Food Stuffs such as raisins are good for health, but they can stick to the teeth and stay put leading to dental health problems. Encouraging kids to take water after eating sugary or sticky food reduces the potential for tooth decay considerably.
6. Regular visit to the dentist:
The child should be taken to the dentist at least once when he/she attains the age of two. This helps kids to get familiar with the environment and identify and prevent any dental problem as early as possible without performing any complicated procedures.
