According to the CDC, over half of children aged 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Children’s oral health is a hot topic, and preventing cavities and declining oral health should be a top priority for all parents.
So, what do you need to be doing to help your child develop a good oral care routine and prevent common dental issues?
Lead By Example
In the first instance, you need to be leading by example. Modeling good dental hygiene will make things easier when it comes to putting them into practice with your child. Have them with you when you brush your teeth. Show them what to do and let them see how easy and simple it is for you to do it. This is something you can do as soon as your child is old enough to hold something themselves, and they can copy you to help instill good habits.
Start Young
The younger you start with a preventative dental care routine for your children, the better. You can use specialist toothbrushes that babies can chew on to help their gums before their teeth break through, and once the teeth have started to appear, you can then use a baby toothbrush to clean their teeth and get them used to this from a really young age.
Drink Water
Our bodies need water. We all know this. But in the context of good oral care, water can be a helpful tool. Get your child to drink a cup of water after eating to rinse away any lingering debris or residue on teeth from food, especially when eating acidic foods or citrus fruits.
Brushing teeth after eating will only drive any residue and debris into the enamel and could potentially cause more damage. Instead, get them into the habit of drinking a cup of water or at least rinsing their mouth with water after eating.
Use A Flouride Toothpaste
Fluoride toughens enamel and makes it harder for foods and drinks to cause damage. Not using fluoride can leave your child’s delicate teeth at risk from increased cavities and erosion. In some areas, water is supplemented with fluoride, which can support dental care. Still, if this isn’t the case for your water supply, it might be worth looking at adding fluoride supplements to your child’s diet for added protection.
Visit The Dentist
Visiting the dentist regularly can help you ascertain the condition of your child’s teeth and address any issues promptly. Your Dentist will be able to see the health and shape of your child’s teeth and mouth and advise you on how best to tackle any problems that arise or any improvements or changes you need to make to help improve their oral health. It is recommended that your child visits the dentist every 6 months for preventative care more frequently if they need restorative treatments or braces, etc. But at a minimum, you need to attend your regular dental checkups every 6 months.
Improving your child’s dental routine will allow you to instill good habits in them from a young age and ensure that they aren’t experiencing any issues that could have been prevented.
