A Parent's Guide to Children's Dental Health
Helping your children establish good oral care habits early will help them maintain strong teeth and gums, prevent serious conditions, and impact their overall health, development, and quality of life.
Healthy teeth and gums are essential for proper chewing, speaking, and smiling. They can also help support your children’s confidence.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, and infections that can cause your children pain, make it difficult for them to eat, and contribute to missed school days. If left untreated, dental issues can affect your children’s self-esteem and lead to long-term health problems.
Consider these tips for staying on top of your children’s oral health:
Start Early: Establish a proper dental care routine before your baby get his or first tooth. Keep their gums clean by gently rubbing a baby toothbrush or a clean, damp washcloth over the gums after each feeding.
Brush Twice Each Day: Once teeth begin to appear, brush them twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. For children age three or younger, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush and supervise their brushing.
Wean Your Kids from Pacifiers and Thumb-Sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can affect the development of teeth and lead to alignment issues. Try to wean your child off these habits by age three.
Floss Every Day: As soon as your children have two teeth that touch, help them floss each day. Flossing plaque build-up in areas where the toothbrush can't reach and helps avoid cavities.
Reinforce the Routine: Once your children are old enough to brush and floss without help, encourage them to do it in the morning and at bedtime, and periodically check to make sure they are.
Limit Unhealthy Snacks: While the occasional candy, soda, or juice is OK, make sure they are followed by brushing and flossing to minimize the risk of cavities. Get in the habit of encouraging healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheese to your kids early in their lives. These snacks are not only nutritious, but they also promote better oral health.
Make Water the Norm: Encourage your kids to drink water every day. Not only can water wash away food particles and reduce bacteria, it is also good for their overall health.
Don’t Forget the Fluoride: Fluoride is key for strengthening tooth enamel and helping to prevent cavities. Make sure your child gets fluoride from their toothpaste or other sources as recommended by your dentist. (Your water can also be a good source of fluoride, too.) However, it is recommended that children 2 and younger do not use a toothpaste with fluoride because of the increased risk that they will swallow it. There are many formulas on the market often referred to as “training toothpaste” that are fluoride free and safe for small children while still getting your little one in the habit of brushing.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Make sure your son or daughter gets in the habit of making regular visits to the dentist, starting when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday. Not only can dentists help you reinforce healthy habits in your home, but they can also detect issues early and implement preventive care.
Practice Proper Dental Care Yourself: Your children will learn best by following your example. Brush and floss with them from an early age to show them proper technique and get them in the habit of proper oral hygiene.
Dr. Brooks and his staff are highly trained professionals in Ooltewah, TN who work together to bring your family advanced dental care in a warm, relaxing setting. Looking to set your children on the path to dental health? Click here to schedule an introductory visit.
