When it comes to oral health, there’s no substitute for good habits. Kids need proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy. Parents play a significant role in helping their children achieve strong and healthy teeth and gums, especially when they are young. If parents take the right steps early on, they can set their kids up for a lifetime of healthier smiles. Here’s how:
Brush and Floss:
Making brushing and flossing part of your child’s daily routine can help them establish good dental habits that will last them a lifetime. Therefore, it’s important to teach your children the importance of keeping their mouths clean every day by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
Make sure that you buy age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes for your kids, as they are specially formulated to help protect their growing teeth. Showing them how to brush properly will also be beneficial: have them start on the outside of each tooth, then use a circular motion around the inside.
Eat Healthily:
A healthy diet is essential for strong teeth and gums. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks will help your child avoid cavities and other dental issues. Instead, please encourage them to eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables, which can act as natural toothbrushes in the mouth, scraping away plaque and bacteria. An apple, for example, can help stimulate saliva production and cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria.
Visit the Dentist:
Routine trips to the dentist are an essential part of keeping oral health in check. While it’s normal for children to feel anxious about visiting the dentist, it’s important you take them to the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. Regular visits will help keep their teeth and gums in top condition and also give the dentist an opportunity to spot any potential issues early on.
Use Fluoride:
Fluoride is a mineral that is essential for strong teeth and gums. Fluoride needs to be ingested daily in order to keep teeth healthy and prevent cavities. Fluoride also helps strengthen your children’s tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. You can ensure that your kids are getting enough fluoride by giving them water from the tap or using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash when brushing their teeth.
Check for Signs of Gum Disease:
Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause pain and discomfort, as well as tooth loss. As part of your child’s regular check-ups with the dentist, you should ask them to screen for signs of gum disease. If caught early on, it can be treated effectively with antibiotics and other treatments. Symptoms include bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, receding gums, and loose teeth.
Taking these steps will help ensure your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy from early on. As a parent, it’s essential to lead by example and develop good dental habits yourselves. By setting a good example, your children will learn the importance of looking after their teeth—setting them up for healthier smiles in the future.