Tips to Instill Good Oral Health Care in Children

It is always best to discipline your child at an early age. It is easier for a child to develop a habit or mannerism when exposed to eat at a young age. That is the trick to teaching your child good oral health care habits – start at an early age in life. According to statistics, tooth decay is not uncommon in children, and about 43 percent of children have cavities in the United States. How do you get young children to practice good oral health care? In this article, we will discuss a few tips to help develop the habit of practicing good oral care and dental hygiene in children from an early age. If you have any questions, check in with a children’s dentist in Edmonton today.

Oral health care begins when they are infants

Did you know that even babies can develop tooth decay when oral health is neglected? When you put a baby to bed with a bottle, although it may be convenient, it could cause harm for the baby’s teeth. Sugar particles from the milk linger on the baby’s teeth overnight and can damage the enamel of your baby’s teeth. This condition is known as “bottle mouth.” To prevent any oral health problems from arising in your baby, here a few things you can do:

 1. Wipe your baby’s gums with a warm washcloth or some gauze after feeding the baby.

 2. Avoid giving your baby pacifiers immersed in either sweet liquids or sugar.

 3. It is recommended, by The American Dental Association, to schedule your baby for its first dental appointment at 12 months or sooner in case of any dental issues.

Toddlers

 Here are a few tips for oral health care in toddlers. 

1. Begin to teach your toddler how to brush their teeth at the age of two or three.
2. Use toothbrushes only with soft bristles, using a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Ensure that your toddler does not swallow the toothpaste. Your toddler may want to brush their teeth by themselves, you must brush it again for them once they finish.
3. At the age of 6, children should be able to brush their teeth without the assistance of a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must observe their child and make sure the child does not miss the areas at the back of the mouth that may be hard for them to reach. 
4. Dedicate a routine time for your child to brush and floss their teeth daily in the night.

Make sure to schedule regular dental appointments at least twice a year for your child. 

Children

Here are a few tips for oral health care in children.

1. Change your child’s toothbrush every three months. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let your child pick out the toothbrush.
2. Monitor your child’s everyday brushing activity. Ensure that your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once in the night, before bed. 
3. Like in toddlers, when you develop the habit of brushing their teeth at nighttime, it becomes a routine for your children. In the morning, after breakfast is an ideal time for your child to brush his or her teeth. 
4. Develop the habit of eating healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
5. Avoid feeding your child junk foods with sugar and sweets.

Avoid giving your child soft drinks or unhealthy juices. It contributes to tooth decay and increases the chances of gum disease and other oral health complications. As a child, milk and water are the healthiest options for children.

Reward your child for brushing

1. Children are not necessarily highly motivated to maintain healthy dental practices. A six-year-old child does not realize the benefits of having healthy teeth as they grow old. It is something that must be instilled in them.
2. Positive reinforcement is proven to be an effective method to develop habits in toddlers. You can award your toddler with tine rewards for brushing their teeth. It could be an extra story at bedtime or a healthy treat. 
3. Reward your child with something that he or she loves. It is a positive incentive for the child and drives them to develop healthy oral practices.
4. Include fun activities while brushing to make your child invested in brushing their teeth.

It is a known fact that children learn and replicate what they observe from their surrounding environment. Learning begins at home. Parents must practice good oral hygiene and dental practices around their children. It will prompt their child to do the same. For more information on oral health practices for children, visit a children’s dentist near you.

At a dental clinic in Edmonton, you can ask the dentist any questions or concerns that you may have. Visit a dental clinic near you today!