Tooth decay is the most common issue in children, as kids’ teeth are sensitive and at the growing stage. In childhood, teeth are replaced with matured ones and hence need to be taken care of. Tooth decay doesn’t only affect oral hygiene but also hampers a child’s performance in academics. But the good news is, it is preventable, as of course prevention is better than cure.
The eating habits of children and their negligence are the two most common reasons for tooth decay in them. Parents need to keep an eye on them as maintenance of oral hygiene is non-negotiable. Exhibiting and encouraging dental health among children is very important. For new parents, it can be a little challenging to keep track of a child’s oral hygiene.
However, it’s important to understand when, where, and how to start keeping a track of the dental hygiene of your child. Below are some tips to keep a check on dental hygiene at every stage of your child.
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When to start
The most important question which arises in every new parent’s mind is when to start oral hygiene of a child. Well, Glenview dental care suggests starting the moment they are born. Even though the tooth doesn’t show up in the initial months of the birth. The gums need to be cleaned regularly. You can rinse them or clean them with a wet cloth. Intake of milk and other food items will give birth to bacteria in the mouth. A rule says that their first dental appointment should be on their first birthday. The time the first tooth erupts, you must check-up with the dentist. Be in touch with your dentist and plan a visit every six months, this will help the dentist to keep a track of tooth development.
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Set an example
Children follow what they see. There is a saying, Monkey sees, monkey do. They will imitate their parents as follows whatever they are doing. Set a stage for them and practice good oral hygiene yourself as well. Pediatric Dentistry Glenview suggests that making it a habit will help your child keep up with dental hygiene with ease. You can make a habit of brushing and flossing every day together.
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Start today
You need to start caring for your child’s oral health before even the teeth are out. As oral hygiene is not only about teeth, it’s about gums and the mouth overall. You can avoid using toothpaste but you can clean the mouth with a soft wet cloth or just a wet toothbrush with soft bristles. The moment their first tooth is out, you can take care of oral hygiene. Use toothbrushes which can be used to pop on your finger. You can clean the first few teeth with that. You must take a small amount of toothpaste which should be non-fluoridated to avoid swallowing.
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Supervise, don’t interfere
Your child will always be small for you, but you need to understand that after reaching a certain age they need to do everything themselves. After they reach their second birthday, they need to start doing brush on their own. You can’t let them do it all alone for sure, you can supervise them regularly in their early years. Children will not do it properly, hence you need to tell them how to do it. It might be a possibility that you need to do it again after they are done doing their part. Children’s dentistry Glenview says that brushing needs to be done for at least two minutes, twice a day.
Pro Tip: People at this age resist brushing, you need to make it a fun activity for them. Play a song or make it a treasure hunt where you are searching for a hidden treasure between your teeth.
Similarly, you need to bring good food habits and make them eat chocolates in the discipline. Your procrastination today will bring you in big trouble tomorrow. For any more information, you can book an appointment today with Glenview.
