Parents always want the best for their children, starting from the moment they’re born. While we do our best to make sure they’re well-fed, happy, and healthy, dental care often goes unrecognized.
Dental hygiene among children is so poor that 42% of kids between the age of 2 and 11 have at least one dental cavity.
Teaching kids the importance of good dental hygiene from an early age can prevent a number of health issues later on, including heart disease and certain forms of cancer.
Read on to learn more about dental care for kids and how you can inspire a lifetime of good habits.
Table of Contents
Encourage Good Brushing Habits
Kids love to mirror their parents’ behaviors. Thankfully, you can use this to your advantage. If you become an active participant in your child’s healthy habits, you’ll inspire a lifetime of quality dental care.
Telling them to brush isn’t as effective as brushing with them. So lead by example and make brushing a family activity.
This goes for infants, too. Though infant’s teeth are far softer and more sensitive, brushing early can prevent painful cavities.
For younger kids just beginning to teeth, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Then, put a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste on the rush. Brush in small, gentle circles for two minutes, twice per day.
Older kids can use a little bit more toothpaste, but similar rules apply. Make sure they brush twice per day for two minutes.
Introduce Your Children to The Dentist Early
Dental anxiety is one of the most common fears in the world. Many of these fears stem from childhood phobias.
It certainly doesn’t help that parents dread baby’s first dentist visit so much that they often put it off.
To overcome these fears, you’ll again want to lead by example.
Bring your child with you to your next dental appointment. Let them see for themselves that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Once they’re more comfortable, find a Pediatric Dentist in your area and schedule an appointment. You’ll want to be present throughout your child’s first visit to ease their fears and ask your dentist questions.
For the most part, it’s never too early to schedule an appointment. Most kids get their first tooth around the six-month mark.
Follow Dietary Guidelines
A healthy diet is vital for living a healthy life. Certain foods can even prevent diabetes!
But most children’s diets are chock-full of sugar, unhealthy fats, and carbs that ultimately leave them malnourished and harm their teeth.
As a result, you’ll need to watch your child’s diet carefully — especially their sugar intake. Since kids’ teeth are often more sensitive, it takes less sugar to cause tooth troubles.
Dental Care For Kids: How to Set Them Up For Success
Despite its importance, dental care for kids is often overlooked. But you can help offset that trend.
Teach your children good dental hygiene practices and you’ll prevent cavities, gum disease, and more.
Make sure you’re prepared for painful teething: Check out our guide on home remedies for tooth pain that will calm even the fussiest of children.
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