Good oral hygiene is the foundation for your child’s lifelong dental and overall health. Starting proper brushing and dental care habits early lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Teaching children to take care of their teeth themselves and establishing regular dental visits are key steps parents can take to ensure their little ones grow up cavity-free. This article outlines several tips to help instil good oral hygiene habits in children from infancy through the early school years.
Teach Them Young
Establishing good oral hygiene habits early in childhood is crucial for your child’s lifelong dental health. As soon as your baby’s first teeth appear, usually around 6 months of age, you can begin brushing their teeth morning and evening with a soft infant toothbrush and water. At age 1, switch to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Teaching your toddler to brush their own teeth will take patience and repetition, but it’s an important skill that sets them up for a lifetime of good habits. Praise your child when they cooperate with brushing and make it part of your daily morning and bedtime routines. Lead by example and let your kids see you brushing and flossing too.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Take your child to the dentist by the time their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Regular dental check-ups every 6 months help spot problems early and get kids comfortable with visiting the dentist. A dentist Corbridge can assess your child’s oral health and give you personalised advice on caring for your little one’s teeth.
Make your child’s first visit fun by talking about what will happen and playing dentist at home with a stuffed animal. Praise them afterwards and consider a small reward for being cooperative.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar is the biggest culprit when it comes to tooth decay in children. Limit sugary snacks and drinks including juice, fizzy drinks, and sweetened cereals or yoghurts. The NHS advises no more than 4 sugar snacks per day. When your child does have sweets or juice, serve them with meals rather than as standalone snacks, use a straw to bypass teeth, and make sure they brush afterwards.
Offer healthier snacks like cheese, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain crackers or bread. Plain milk and water are the best options for little teeth.
Watch for Signs of Decay
Small children often cannot verbalise dental pain or sensitivities, so as a parent you need to be vigilant about checking their teeth for potential problems. Look for white, brown or black spots, holes or pitting, teeth that are cracked or chipped, teeth that are loose or missing, or red, swollen or bleeding gums.
Tell-tale signs of a problem also include bad breath, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, difficulty eating or chewing, and mouth pain or crying during brushing. See your dentist right away if you notice any concerning symptoms. The sooner decay is caught, the better.
Aim to make oral hygiene time engaging rather than a dreaded chore. Let kids pick out their own child-friendly toothbrush with their favourite characters or colours. Play music or sing songs while brushing to pass the recommended 2 minutes.
Proper oral care doesn’t have to be a battle if you build the habit right.
