Most adults understand the importance of keeping a healthy set of teeth and the things we need to do to ensure they remain healthy. However, children tend not to comprehend the significance of good oral hygiene until it’s too late and they’re sitting terrified in a dentist’s chair.
Fortunately, with the proper guidance from you, their parent, you can help them understand the importance of keeping their teeth in tip-top condition so they only ever need to visit the dentist for a regular checkup.
Start Early For Healthy Habits
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” this is true in almost all aspects of life, and certainly when it comes to teeth. In this regard, your first port of call will be to visit your local dentist and seek advice on the best practices, particularly for children. For instance, a Pediatric Dentist in Chicago is able to create plans tailored to each child and teach the advantages of proper oral health, not simply so they can avoid the dentist, but in order to keep them healthy and happy.
Establishing a consistent routine, like the ideas mentioned later in the post, helps turn it into a habit they will continue into adulthood. Starting early also helps prevent cavities and other issues from taking hold in those formative years and instilling fear of the dentist when you inevitably need to visit for these reasons.
Brush Twice A Day, Every Day
It’s almost universally recommended that children brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to maintain strong, healthy teeth. However, many parents struggle to enforce this important routine, leading to complacency later in life. Morning brushing removes plaque and food particles that accumulate overnight.
It also gives teeth a protective barrier before exposure to acids from snacks and drinks throughout the day. Brushing before bed is just as crucial as it removes debris from all the day’s eating and drinking. Leaving it on teeth overnight increases the risk of cavities forming. When you make this a habit, as discussed previously, you will discover it is less of an issue to get your child to brush when required.
Keep An Eye On Sugar Intake
Sugar isn’t just bad for your child’s health; it also causes all manner of dental issues, including cavities. Parents should also be mindful of hidden sugars in foods and drinks. Reading labels is vital, as is limiting naturally occurring sugars in fruit juices, which lack the fiber of whole fruits. Managing what goes in a child’s mouth is one of the best ways to protect their smile.
Make Dental Visits A Priority
Regular dental checkups should be a priority for every family. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist within six months of the first tooth erupting and then for a cleaning and exam at least once every six months thereafter. Early dental visits establish a relationship with a dentist and allow professionals to check for cavities, gum disease, and oral injuries. Moreover, it will enable your child to become familiar with visiting a dentist, ensuring they don’t develop a phobia later in life.
Keeping your child healthy and happy is the first priority of all parents worldwide, and ensuring good dental health is part of that mission. By creating positive habits and monitoring what they eat, you should find your child’s teeth remain strong and issue-free.