Tips for Improving Your Child’s Oral Health

Establishing good oral health habit is essential for your child's health, not just to prevent cavities or dental issues, but for future purposes.

In this article, you will find tips for helping your children improve their oral health.

Tips for children's oral health

The following are vital oral care tips for improving a child's dental health:

Take care of their baby teeth

The baby's first set of teeth play a crucial role in the child's development. First, they are the forerunners and space-retainers for the permanent teeth. Losing baby tooth prematurely may lead to crowding when the permanent teeth start coming in. Also, dental decay could cause pain for the child and affect the adult tooth negatively. If neglected, the infection could spread to other areas.

Supervise children when they are brushing

It is good to allow children to brush their teeth themselves, but parents must continue to monitor them until they reach at least age seven. Kids will probably not know to clean mouth crevices and usually lack the skill to brush correctly. Ideally, they should spend at least two minutes on brushing.

Brushing should be delayed for about thirty minutes to one hour after meals. Parents should help kids with a thorough brushing once they are done.

Get the correct type and size of toothbrush

Kids may not be able to brush properly until they reach a certain age. Parents should avoid giving them a large toothbrush or one with hard bristles that could hurt their gums and make brushing difficult.

Prevent them from rinsing the mouth with water after brushing

Rinsing the mouth immediately after brushing will wash away the fluoride left on the teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children below two years of age should brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste, and kids between two and five years can use a pea-sized paste.

Begin flossing early

Cavities form easily in crevices where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Flossing cleans those areas and reduces the risk of cavities. The earlier parents introduce their children to flossing, the easier it will be for them to cultivate the habit. Kid flossers are available in the store to easily clean the teeth. Parents can make the routine fun by making it a family routine and awarding points for dental hygiene.

Avoid using the dentist as a form of punishment

Parents need to avoid threatening their children with cavities and dental visits. The kids could grow up with dental anxiety and never want to visit the dentist. Kids should be able to see the dentist as a professional who wants to keep them healthy.

A good method would be to reward good oral habits and provide positive reinforcement with special treats.

Final note

Dental experts recommend that parents take their kids on their first dental appointment once they reach one year. The dentist will be able to monitor the child's teething progress and make suggestions on proper teeth eruption. Every child's oral health is vital and should be taken seriously.

Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.

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