By Lettecha Johnson
There’s nothing like seeing your child smile at any age, and you can ensure they have a beautiful one by taking their oral hygiene seriously from infancy. Childhood dental care involves establishing good oral hygiene using proper brushing, flossing, products like fluoride toothpaste, a low-sugar diet, and regular dental visits at least every six months.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research data from 2011 to 2016, almost a quarter of children aged 2 to 5 years had primary tooth cavities. Additionally, race and low income were linked to more primary tooth decay. However, practicing professional dental health tips can mitigate these issues.
As your local dentist will tell you, teaching kids oral hygiene now can prevent costlier procedures and insecurities about their smiles later.
When Does Childhood Dental Care Begin?
Good baby teeth care starts before teeth even come in. As the CDC advises, parents and caregivers can begin by wiping the baby’s mouth twice a day using a soft, clean cloth. Doing so helps to remove sugars and bacteria, which are the common causes of cavities.
Once the first tooth comes in, start gently brushing around it twice a day with a soft, small-bristle toothbrush. At this point, there’s no need to use toothpaste yet, as plain water will do.
What and how you feed your baby also matters for their hygiene. That’s why parents should be careful about putting their baby to bed with bottles of formula, juice, and other sugary drinks. If you must do so, make sure the bedtime time bottle only has water in it.
What Are The Basics of Teaching Kids Oral Hygiene?
Preventing tooth decay starts with proper brushing techniques, such as using the right amount of toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is fine for kids between 3 and 6 years old.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gums, while brushing and gently using circular and back-and-forth motions over the teeth. Once children’s teeth begin to touch, demonstrate how to floss and explain how it removes food particles and plaque between teeth.
Set a timer to ensure you and your child brush for at least two minutes each time.
Don’t forget about diet. While children may be prone to sweets, limit the sugary drinks and snacks. Focus on healthier foods that include calcium and fiber, which build bones and teeth.
What to Expect at a Child’s First Dentist Visit?
Your first visit to a caring local dentist at Dentiland should happen no later than the child’s 1st birthday or six months after the first tooth appears. Be prepared to give your child’s dentist an overview of their health history and previous oral issues.
The visit may last about 30 to 45 minutes as the dentist examines your little one’s teeth, jaws, gums, and bite. The dentist may also give them a gentle mouth cleaning to remove existing plaque or stains.
It’s also the time to ask questions about your oral hygiene practice with your child. Your dentist can demonstrate the proper way to brush teeth and make recommendations like fluoride.
How Parents Can Model Good Dental Behavior
From learning how to eat with a fork to soaking up first words to sharing, you are your child’s first teacher. That’s why how you care for your own oral hygiene matters. By modeling good dental practices like brushing twice a day, flossing, being mindful of what you eat, and making it positive, you can create an easy transition for your child to maintain healthy teeth.
Make brushing an activity to do together every morning and evening until kids can self-manage this routine. Let the child look inside your mouth as you’re brushing so they can see the techniques you use.
Speak positively about going to the dentist and show your kids some dental-positive material, like books and cartoons. Get a play set to role-play going to the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is a Pediatric Dentist Different from a Regular Dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in dental care for children ranging from infants to teens. They may also have extra training in childhood development and behavior. However, a general dentist provides broad care for all ages, from children to seniors.
Taking your child to a pediatric dentist may mean a more child-friendly environment with more child-focused language. They often have a deep knowledge of childhood dental diseases, baby teeth, and managing the anxiety in children going to the dentist.
What Are the Signs of Dental Problems in Kids?
Clear signs of problems in your child’s dental health are tooth pain and sensitivity. Signs of sensitivity may be apparent when they eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. It’s often a sign of tooth decay or sensitivity due to enamel erosion.
Look out for gum swelling, bleeding, or changes in tooth color or texture. Some children may also have bad breath or difficulty chewing and eating.
What Foods Help Heal Cavities?
To prevent cavities in your child, try to focus on foods that promote bone strength and prevent tooth decay. Start by including calcium-rich foods like low-fat yogurt, milk, and cheese. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, and bok choy also have a lot of calcium, as well as other teeth-healthy nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid.
Since high fiber foods keep saliva flowing, they also provide a natural defense against cavities, so make sure your children eat whole-grain cereals instead of sugary ones. Also include lots of fiber-rich fruit like apples and legumes like beans.
It’s Never Too Early for Dental Care
Don’t think of childhood dental care as something that starts “later.” The minute your child is born, start caring for their oral health with a simple daily gum wipe down, choosing water over sugary drinks, regular dentist visits, and modeling good behavior.
Prioritizing oral hygiene early on can pave the way for your child to have healthy teeth and gums into adulthood. By preventing tooth decay now, your child can have strong and healthy teeth for a vibrant smile without the high costs associated with extensive restorative procedures.
