Parenting is a journey full of responsibilities. One key area you need to focus on is your family’s dental health. Know how to make the kids understand the benefits of good oral hygiene. Proper dental care promotes bright, beautiful smiles and fosters sound teeth and gum health. This blog post looks at five critical dental health practices you should focus on as a parent.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to the dentist are vital for keeping your child’s oral health in good condition. You can make their first visit when you see the first eruption or wait until their first birthday. According to Dr. Alex Silman, it is crucial to find a facility that uses advanced tools and prioritizes hygiene for better results and a pleasurable dental visit.
These visits allow the dental expert to completely inspect your kid’s teeth, gums, and oral tissues to identify potential issues. Proficient cleanings performed during these arrangements also eliminates plaque and tartar development, limiting the probability of cavities and gum sickness. These standard exams are also essential to address any concerns or inquiries about your child’s oral health. It makes the child always confident through healthy teeth and gums.
Start Early and Be Consistent
Cultivate the best practices as early as infancy. Before their first tooth emerges, always keep the baby’s gum clean by wiping it with a soft, damp cloth. This is useful after feeding and helps eliminate any plaque buildup or bacteria.
When they reach the teething stage, typically at six months old, you can introduce them to using a toothbrush. Since their gums and teeth are delicate, consider choosing a small, soft-bristled type. Use small amounts of fluoride toothpaste, preferably a rice grain-size smear.
Protect Teeth During Sports and Play
When children reach the active stage, they must be guided on preventing dental injuries. As they engage in their favorite activities, like cycling or contact sports, you always want them to have some mouthguards to prevent dental trauma in case of collisions or falls.
Opt for the custom-fitted designs to achieve better protection and make them comfortable with these dental accessories. Alternatively, you can go for the stock or boil and bite types. These mouthguards can be helpful at night to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism).
Teach Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Make the children aware of the relevance of thorough brushing and flossing. Teach them how to make small, circular motions to ensure a comprehensive removal of tartar and plaque. Ascertain that they know how to reach every tooth surface, including the tongue. They should spend at least two minutes on each to guarantee a thorough brushing.
Encourage them to also focus on flossing to complement the brushing. This helps remove any food particles along the gum line or between teeth that are impossible to reach with a toothbrush. Train the little ones to insert the floss between the teeth correctly.
Monitor Diet and Limit Sugary Treats
The choice of food and snacks significantly impacts overall dental health, necessitating the need to offer guidance on the best eating habits. Though snacking is part of childhood and cannot be avoided, the right thing to do is to reduce the frequency. Guide them to healthier alternative treats, such as fruits, veggies, and nuts.
For the drinks, opt for options such as smoothies, milk, and natural fruit juice. After every snack, emphasize the need for mouth rinsing to remove the sugars and acids. This helps prevent the formation of cavities and tooth decay while helping them maintain fresh breath.
Endnote
Maintaining oral health as a family is essential and goes beyond making smiles dazzling; it also prevents common dental diseases. You have several efforts you can make to keep the kid’s teeth and gums healthy, from guiding them on proper eating habits to prioritizing professional dental care.
