Why Children’s Oral Health Is So Important
We all want the best for our children in all aspects of life. And that applies to their teeth as well! One of the best gifts you can provide for your little loved ones is to teach them proper dental hygiene—right from the very beginning. Developing children’s oral health habits early in life will make them more likely to carry them on through adolescence and into adulthood.
As a young baby, before the first teeth begin to emerge, you can clean your baby’s gums after each feeding. Simply use a clean cloth to clear any milk or baby food residue.
When their first teeth emerge, it’s time to start brushing them! Using just water, secure their head against your chest. Make small circles, brushing their teeth while angling the bristles away from the guns. Use a toothpaste Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit six months after their first tooth appears. (This is typically around the age of 1, as children’s baby teeth erupt at around six months.)
At around 18 months, begin using a pea-sized portion of low-fluoride toothpaste, and try to encourage your child to spit out as much as possible.
When your child is a little older, it’s time to start teaching them how to brush on their own. An excellent benchmark to remember is that your child is ready to clean their own teeth when they can write their name. (That’s because using a pencil requires similar manual dexterity.) Once they’re at this stage, demonstrate the proper technique for them. Be sure to encourage them with positive reinforcement. Tell them what a good job they’re doing, and remind them of how they’re helping to keep their teeth healthy. Then, you can finish the brushing to ensure that they haven’t missed a spot.
By following the above advice, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your children’s oral health!
