From birth, you need to take care of your child’s oral health.
As they grow you can help them clean their teeth and
gums until they can do so on their own.
From birth, you need to take care of your child’s oral health. As they grow you can help them clean their teeth and gums until they can do so on their own. Why is establishing an early dental maintenance routine so crucial? Your child’s oral structure goes through a lot of changes from baby teeth appearing to falling out and then adult teeth growing in. A dental hygiene clinic for kids will help make sure your child has healthy, straight teeth as they get older.
What happens at a child’s dentist appointment?
The first visit to the dentist, provided there are no concerns, will be an informal conversation about how your little one’s mouth is developing. If there are questions you have, this is the time to ask them. It is recommended your child see the dentist for a check-up every 6 months or so. A child’s dental hygiene clinic focuses on identifying issues early on and helping their teeth stay healthy. Teeth cleaning and a routine examination allow the dentist to identify issues like cavities or misaligned teeth. Correcting issues with your child’s teeth and gums early on will minimize future oral health problems.
Other ways to aid in keeping your child’s oral health in good shape
Education
To help your child understand the importance of a good dental hygiene routine such as brushing and flossing, teach them about their teeth. Let them know why regular appointments at the dental hygiene clinic for kids help them take care of their oral health. There are a host of children’s books that speak to the subject of going to the dentist. Let your child choose one to read together to make the process fun. This encourages your children to act out their dental hygiene routine and continue positive oral health behaviour as they get older.
Change Toothbrush and Store it Properly
Changing a toothbrush every three months keeps it working correctly. An old toothbrush breaks down after several uses to the point that the bristles no longer do their job. It is also a good idea to store toothbrushes in closed, dry spaces to keep germs from settling on the bristles. When you leave it on the bathroom counter, every time the toilet flushes, it causes human feces to land in the bristles. Gross! You don’t want your little ones getting sick from a dirty brush so make sure toothbrushes are kept contained in a safe spot until they need to be used.
Brushing and Flossing, The Correct Way
Yes, there is a right way to brush and floss to ensure you are removing plaque and tartar from your tooth enamel and gums. Gentle brushing and flossing will prevent damaging your mouth. Short, circular strokes down to the gum line is the correct way to brush your teeth. When flossing, the floss should move up and down along the sides of every tooth.
Limit “Bad for You” Foods
Help your child stay healthy so cavities and other concerns are nothing to worry about. You can do this by limiting sugary snacks and drinks with a high sugar count. Sugar is notorious for sticking to teeth and can cause bacteria to grow which eventually leads to decay. Too much acidic food is also something to stay away from as it can erode tooth enamel.
Fill Up on Water
Drinking lots of water helps keep teeth clean by washing loose particles of food down the throat. It also keeps your child hydrated so encourage water drinking throughout the day and night.
Proper Calcium Consumption
Teeth are attached to bone and calcium helps keep bones strong. Help your child get enough calcium by giving them multivitamins and ensuring they get it in their meals. Good sources of calcium come from things like cheese and yogurt.
Check Up on Your Child’s Teeth
Keep a small mirror handy to periodically look inside your child’s mouth. Doing this regularly will keep you informed on how well they are brushing their teeth and if something looks out of place. Be on the watch for things like:
- Swollen gums
- Changing teeth colour
- Worn down or broken teeth
These are warning signs of negative oral health. If you notice one or several of these things, then it is time to get your little one to the dentist. Your dentist can address issues before they get worse.
Concluding
When your teeth are aligned and look great, they help you feel more confident. This is the same for your child. Help give them a confident smile by making regular visits to the dental hygiene clinic for kids. Additionally, aid in their at-home dental habits to keep their oral health in top shape. At Glenbrook Dental, we offer a comfortable environment for all dental situations.