Are you having trouble teaching your child about basic hygiene skills? You’re not alone! This is perhaps one of the most common challenges every parent faces.
A good dental routine is essential for overall health, be it- kids or adults. But, in the case of a child’s oral care, it brings unique challenges as this is the age where their teeth most likely to have cavities and plaque.
Table of Contents
Here is a complete guide on how you can help take care of your child’s teeth:
Try These Tips To Make Dental Hygiene Fun:
- Choose a toothbrush that has a fun element like your kid’s favorite cartoon character
- Use a toothpaste with a flavor your child enjoys
- Show them videos that educate them about dental hygiene in a friendly and fun manner.
- Play songs in the background when your child is brushing his/her teeth.
- Offer them something healthy as a reward for practicing good oral care.
Brushing a Child’s Teeth
Deciduous or baby teeth build the foundation for adult teeth. They play an important role in how your kids learn to chew and talk. Healthy teeth also help with participation in their social life and boost confidence. Establishing good dental health practice early on helps motivate lifelong patterns.
Make sure your child brushes his/her teeth at least for two minutes in the morning and at night with a soft-bristled brush. Have your kid hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and brush gently from gum to tooth. Make sure he/she covers every tooth, from the front to the back. This will get rid of lingering bacteria in the mouth.
Dealing with Cavities
Cavities form in your teeth when bacteria stay in your mouth, mainly because of eating certain foods like carbohydrate-rich foods and artificial sweeteners. Sugars in food and beverages turn into acid that sits at the topmost layer and in between your teeth forming plaque. This plaque when remain untreated can dissolve the enamel and thus creates holes called cavities. Cavities are common in kids as their teeth can be difficult to brush.
Your children might be at risk for cavities if they:
- Have ongoing needs of special oral care
- Have brown spots on their teeth
- Eat a lot of sweets and drink an excessive about of soda
- Have not been practicing good dental care
Diet
It is pretty much clear by now that diet plays a very important role in how your kid’s teeth appear and how their oral health is. Eating a lot of sugary foods means a higher risk of cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. In fact, this is also one of the main reasons for the discoloration of teeth as well. So, it is crucial to living a healthy lifestyle and choose healthy foods.
Limit your child’s intake of sugars and sodas. Replace unhealthy snacks with fruits and vegetables. This will fulfill the requirement of calcium and make their teeth strong and white. However, if you are concerned about the discoloration of teeth, you can ask for teeth whitening at the dentist who is experienced and trustworthy. As a general rule of thumb- Make sure your child brushes his/her teeth before going to bed.
When Should You Consult The Dentist?
If your child has:
- intense pain
- Sharp sensation by eating hot or cold foods
- Pain triggered by sweet foods
- Swelling near the mouth
If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to severe pain and infection, and can gradually spread to other areas of the mouth and face making your child sick. Also, a severe infection can impact permanent teeth development. Make sure you go to a dentist if there are any signs and symptoms.
Conclusion
The best way to set good dental-care habits for your child is to set a great example. Most of the habits kids learn are by watching their parents, so be a good role model for great dental care. Visit your local parent dentistry facility for regular cleanings. Eat healthy foods and avoid staining beverages. Brush, floss and rinse at least two times a day, and visit your family dentist for regular checkups!
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Sanya
- February 6, 2020
