Oral Health of Children and Early Prevention

Oral Health of Children and Early Prevention

Teaching children good oral health practices early is the best way to guarantee lifelong oral health and beautiful teeth.

When you help your children learn to enjoy taking care of their teeth and gums, you reduce the risk of cavities and other complications with simple, easy to learn oral care routines.

Brush twice a day

Getting children on a twice-a-day routine from the time they can hold a toothbrush is a good way to teach proper oral care.

Plaque and tartar are the main causes of tooth decay. Brushing twice a day helps to remove the harmful plaque that builds up on the teeth overnight and throughout the day when teeth are exposed to food particles, particularly sugar.

Make brushing fun with fun, colourful toothbrushes that you and your child choose together and a children’s toothbrush that features your child’s favourite animated character.

What kind of brushing techniques can I use for my child?

Supervising your children while they get the hang of brushing is the best plan of action. Doing so makes brushing a fun activity you share in together each day and will allow you to ensure they are using proper technique.

Teach your child to use only a pea-sized drop of toothpaste and the importance of not swallowing any toothpaste while brushing.

Demonstrate proper brushing technique by gently and methodically brushing the chewing surface of the teeth, followed by the flat inner and outer surfaces. Then, use the tip of the brush to clean the gumline behind the top front teeth.

Follow this up by gently brushing the tongue before swishing and spitting, every child’s favourite part!

Oral Health of Children People photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com

Teething

Baby teeth typically erupt around when babies reach six months of age, though some children do not get their first teeth until they are one year old.

As babies teethe, they may become fussy and lose their appetite, and they often drool as the teeth erupt.

These symptoms are normal and will continue as all twenty baby teeth erupt up until three to four years of age.

Consult your Dentist in East London if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s oral health.

The best foods and drinks for your child’s teeth

Most parents are surprised to discover the high sugar content found in many baby foods and drinks.

The best drinks for your baby’s general and oral health are milk and water. As a rule, it is best to limit sugary drinks around bedtime.

Focus on foods that are high in proteins, folic acid, minerals, and calcium, such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products to help to strengthen the enamel of your child’s teeth.

Child-friendly mouthwash

Because young children have difficulty refraining from swallowing mouthwash, it is best to wait until children are older to begin using it.

If you choose to allow your child to use a non-alcoholic mouthwash, stress the importance of not swallowing the product and only allow them to do so under close supervision.

Common childhood disease

According to the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, cavities in children are twenty times more common than childhood asthma and diabetes.

If cavities go untreated, it can result in the eventual loss of the tooth and preventing dental decay should be a primary focus in maintaining your child’s overall health.

How to prevent dental decay in your child

The enamel on baby teeth is much thinner than that of adult teeth, and as a result, they decay much more easily.

To prevent decay, clean your children’s teeth twice daily and avoid sticky or hard sweets. Do not dip your child’s dummy in sweet syrups or sugar and ween your child from a bottle at the earliest age possible.

Regular dental visits

Keep to regularly scheduled dental visits with your child and, if possible, align their appointment with their own so they can observe your ongoing commitment to your own oral health.

Author Bio

Platinum Dental Care – Dentist in East London offers private dentistry for children and adults. We provide a comprehensive range of general, orthodontic, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. Call us on 02075 311 717 to know more about us.

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