What Parents Should Know About Children's Dental Health

Promoting good dental health in children is essential to helping them maintain their teeth and gums throughout life. In this guide, you’ll learn tips for proper dental care for kids, including the right time to introduce brushing and flossing, choosing a dentist, and what foods are best for your child’s teeth.

Introduce children to dental hygiene early.

To help your child establish good dental habits, it’s important to start when they are young. Parents should introduce brushing and flossing as part of their daily routine before the age of one year. When your child can tie their own shoes, you can begin guiding them more interactively. Once this has been established, prompt your child to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss every day. Try making it fun by setting time goals and playing music or letting your kids pick out brushes with colorful designs.

Schedule regular checkups with a pediatric dentist.

Regular checkups with a qualified dental provider are an important part of healthy teeth and gums. Depending on the age of the child, the doctor may recommend a routine preventive exam every six or 12 months. In addition to providing cleanings and sealants, they can identify any potential problems such as tooth decay. Your pediatric dentist can also provide education regarding proper brushing and flossing techniques to your child and answer any questions you may have about caring for your child's teeth.

Practice proper oral care habits at home.

To help promote good dental health, parents should establish daily brushing and flossing habits with their children starting at a young age. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that are appropriate for your child’s age. Make sure your child brushes at least two times each day for about two minutes each time. Remind them to focus on the back teeth and keep their tongue clean as well. Flossing should be done once per day as well, using either traditional floss or an interdental cleaner designed for children.

Avoid sugary drinks and food high in sugar.

Sugary drinks and food can cause cavities, so it’s important to limit them as much as possible. Any snacks should be healthy and in moderation; avoid sticky or sugary treats that stick to the teeth such as candy, cookies, cakes, and soda. Consider giving your child water with fluoride instead of fruit juices or sweetened teas. Make sure your kids are drinking enough water throughout the day to help avoid dry mouth which can lead to tooth decay.

Talk to your child’s dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities and other issues.

Sealants are a great way to help protect children’s teeth from cavities. When applied to the surface of the tooth, sealants create an invisible barrier that blocks out food particles and cavity-causing bacteria. Fluoride treatments can also help protect teeth against cavities by strengthening their enamel. Dentists will recommend a fluoride treatment for children every 6 months as part of their routine dental care. It’s important to talk to your child’s dentist about these preventive measures so your kids can maintain good oral health.

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