Being a parent, getting children to brush their teeth is the toughest task. By the time they learn to brush on their own, they lose their patience for it and begin procrastinating. It is not only important to make them brush, but also to supervise the activity to ensure their teeth are clean
Teaching children about brushing and flossing everyday will set them to avoid complicated dental procedures in the later years of their life. Though good dental care is very important for everyone irrespective of age, instilling good habits during the early stages of a child’s life will help prevent the dread that is often associated with frequent dentist’s office visits. In addition, good dental health in children translates to healthy adult teeth.
Dental Care Tips for children
Right Toothbrush
For as long as possible, stick to using a baby toothbrush. It is extremely soft on the gums and focuses on small areas, thus cleaning them properly. A baby toothbrush protects tender gums, massages them and its easy going bristles seem encouraging. Additionally, the cartoon characters and the fancy accessories that come along with the toothbrush will keep your child engaged in the activity for a while.
Proper brushing technique
It is important to make sure that the children brush their teeth properly. Knowing how to brush properly using the right technique helps children develop good oral health habits from their early stages itself. However, describing the proper technique of brushing need not be complicated for parents. Instead, they can use simple steps to explain how to hold the brush and its movements for children to make a good start
Proper dental hygiene habits as early as possible
Proper dental hygiene habits should start as early as possible. The infant’s gums as well as the newly erupting teeth should be thoroughly wiped with water soaked gauze pad after each feeding.
Flossing
The habit of regular flossing is the most difficult one to get into. Children not only take time to learn the technique, but also often complain about floss hurting the gums. Child-friendly floss meant for tender gums and small teeth is easy to use and does not hurt the gums. Till your child turns 9, you will have to supervise flossing. Mindless flossing races with your child to see who finishes flossing first, is a great motivational tip. Timely visits to the dentist will help you understand whether your child is regularly flossing or shaming the task.
Nutritious food:
It is vital to make sure that the kid eats nutritious food to maintain good dental health. Hidden sugars in foods and beverages are more likely to cause cavities. Instead, switch on to real fruit juices which are not only nutritious but also the likelihood of getting cavities are very less. Eating raw fruits and vegetables, non-processed cheese, and milk and yogurt, are healthy food options that can be included in children's diets for good oral health
Regular visit to the dentist
The child should be taken to the dentist at least once when he or she attains the age of two. This helps children to get familiar with the environment and identify and prevent any dental problem as early as possible without performing any complicated dental procedures.
Prevention is always better than cure. Taking precautionary measures such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, rinsing your mouth after every meal, using a mouthwash and avoiding excess of sugar are a few more preventive dental care tips for children. These tips will be given to you and to your child at NOVADENT and it will definitely help your child understand the importance of maintaining oral hygiene. Learning to maintain healthy teeth at a young age can reap huge benefits in the future.
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