Nothing is as beautiful and precious as your kid’s bright smile. Now, the onus is on you to protect it and instil healthy oral and dental hygiene habits in your little ones. Let’s run you through a few proven tips to ensure your child's oral health is in the best condition.
Dental check-up:
Have you heard of the “Dental Check By One?” It’s a nationwide campaign in the UK urging parents to have kids checked for dental issues before their first birthday. It’s based on the fact that early care prevents oral disasters, inculcates healthy habits and saves money in the long run. Per the CDC, about 40% savings on dental care costs are realizable in over 5 years if the child sees the dentist early. Plus, the kid is unlikely to develop a fear of a dental appointment.
Inculcate good habits:
As dentists in India will tell you, brushing twice a day is the key to oral health. If the child is fussy, be creative to make her follow the brushing routine. Let her choose the toothbrush’s colour and the toothpaste’s flavour. This will make brushing a little more enjoyable. Encouraging her to watch oral hygiene videos is also a good ploy. More importantly, practice before you preach. If you are brushing your teeth twice a day, the child is likely to follow your footsteps.
Early hygiene:
Humans are born with 20 fully-developed primary teeth that protrude the jaws after 6 months or so. Thus, it makes sense to start oral hygiene before the first tooth sticks out. Use a clean cloth to gently wipe the gums to ward off bacteria build-up. Once the teeth are visible, use an ADA certified infant toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Consider flossing when teeth touch each other. You can ask your dentists in India for the right flossing methods and schedules.
Miscellany:
Dental check-up:
Have you heard of the “Dental Check By One?” It’s a nationwide campaign in the UK urging parents to have kids checked for dental issues before their first birthday. It’s based on the fact that early care prevents oral disasters, inculcates healthy habits and saves money in the long run. Per the CDC, about 40% savings on dental care costs are realizable in over 5 years if the child sees the dentist early. Plus, the kid is unlikely to develop a fear of a dental appointment.
Inculcate good habits:
As dentists in India will tell you, brushing twice a day is the key to oral health. If the child is fussy, be creative to make her follow the brushing routine. Let her choose the toothbrush’s colour and the toothpaste’s flavour. This will make brushing a little more enjoyable. Encouraging her to watch oral hygiene videos is also a good ploy. More importantly, practice before you preach. If you are brushing your teeth twice a day, the child is likely to follow your footsteps.
Early hygiene:
Humans are born with 20 fully-developed primary teeth that protrude the jaws after 6 months or so. Thus, it makes sense to start oral hygiene before the first tooth sticks out. Use a clean cloth to gently wipe the gums to ward off bacteria build-up. Once the teeth are visible, use an ADA certified infant toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Consider flossing when teeth touch each other. You can ask your dentists in India for the right flossing methods and schedules.
Miscellany:
- Juices are the prime cause of tooth decay among kids. Limit juice intake to 4 ounces daily. Sugary juices are a big no-no. Instead, prefer 100% fruit juice.
- Use the Sippy cup sparingly. Prolonged use can expose the interior of the front teeth to decay, especially when the child is sipping sugary drinks more often.
- Pacifiers decrease SIDS risk and promote healthy sleep. But, they can spoil the teeth line-up and disfigure the mouth in the long term. Discard them before the child is 2.
- Discourage the kid from taking too many candies, chocolates and other sugary treats that can cause cavities, and worst still, plague.