One of the best ways you can prevent tooth decay in children is to get them enthusiastic about everyday dental hygiene. Tooth brushing after all, is probably not at the top of your kid’s list of favourite things they wish to do. However, you can make such task more acceptable and even fun, simply by choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste that your child will want and will like to use.
Look for toothpaste that has fluoride which is child- friendly, with colours and flavours that appeal to children. Knowing how to properly brush your teeth is just as essential as the kind of toothpaste you select. Teach your kids the proper techniques early enough to help encourage them to develop ideal oral hygiene habits. Let’s now have a look at some of the effective dental hygiene tips for children, which should always be put into consideration by parents.
Dental Hygiene Tips for Children
1) Demonstrate the correct brushing technique
After a demonstration of proper brushing technique on a model of a mouth, allow your children to practice on their own teeth. When brushing teeth with your children, it’s important to get them used to brushing each tooth individually, so that they are aware of the feel in their mouths, and positions of each and every tooth. The importance of this, is that it’s highly possible for them to brush their teeth every single day, but continually miss brushing teeth that are on the periphery, farther back, or more difficult to reach. By starting your children early, and having them pay careful attention to every tooth they brush, they will develop excellent habits in their brushing.
2) Teach them the different kinds of teeth
Let the children know the different types of teeth present in their mouth. Generally, understanding the different kinds of teeth- molars, premolars, canines, etc. plays a major role when it comes to dental hygiene in kids.
3) Explain the Importance of brushing
Explaining to your child the importance of teeth brushing is one tactic of coaxing your kid into good oral habits. For instance, you can give an incentive for proper teeth brushing or you can narrate fictional stories about teeth decay. This will make your kid become a regular teeth brusher.
4) Choose child-specific toothpaste
The first thing children do when they learn to brush their teeth is taste the toothpaste. Basically, some toothpaste may normally seem a little spicy, while others may seem extremely powdery. As a parent, do not let the toothpaste’s taste be a deterrent for brushing teeth. You should always ensure that you go for the toothpastes specifically meant for kids.
5) Ensure they see the dentist multiple times a year
Ensure that your kid(s) see a qualified children’s dentist at least two or three times a year. This will ensure that any gum disorder is detected at an early stage before it can turn into something else.
6) Limit the amount of sugar in their diet
Sugary products causes tooth decay as well as holes in the tooth. Hence, as a parent, always ensure that the products you give your children to eat do not contain plenty of sugar on them.
7) Teach them to brush their teeth after every meal
Most people only teach their children to brush their teeth once a day. However, it’s essential that kids brush their teeth after every meal. This will prevent the enzymes responsible for teeth decay from penetrating inside the gums hence preventing them from causing damages.
8) Have them eat foods that strengthen their teeth
There are some food products that are meant to harden a person’s teeth. For instance, sugarcane can harden your child’s teeth, making them stronger.
9) Get private health insurance
Private health insurance will ensure that your child is compensated in the event that they develop a dental related disease or require dental work to be done.
10) Let them choose their own toothbrush
While it is important that your children feel in control, and pick up their own toothbrush from the selections at the store, you should definitely guide them to a soft bristled brush, which is best for their teeth and gums. Then, any cartoon character that will encourage them to brush her teeth often would be a great idea.
11) Have them learn to brush their own teeth at around 3 years of age
Children should be starting to learn to brush their teeth at around age 3, and always under the supervision of an adult, they should brush her teeth after every meal, however sometimes it is inconvenient for lunch, so twice a day is usually sufficient.
12) Have them begin visiting the dentist at 3 years of age
Children should visit a dentist starting at age 3, and have their teeth inspected and cleaned regularly. Your dentist can advise you on any problems he sees as the different teeth break to the surface and take their positions. Your dentist can also keep their eye out for new cavities, and place sealants over them as a means of prevention.
Conclusion
Starting your children out right when taking care their teeth is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Having rotten teeth, bad breath, and ending up with dentures at an early age, is not only unhealthy, but embarrassing as well. Ask your dentist if they provide any special children’s dental benefits.
