Oral Health Recommendations for Children
 

June 23, 2018

Even though most children love sugary foods such as chocolates and candies, they hate being within sniffing distance of a toothbrush.

Well, one thing is for sure, you can’t brush off a good oral hygiene.

The only option is to practice a good dental care routine. Children are not mature enough to realize the importance of a good oral health. But as parents, it is your duty to enforce hygiene rules so that your child doesn’t fall prey to dental cavities and other dental diseases.

So, let us take a look at some oral health recommendations for children.

Regular Checkups

It is better to fill up a cavity as soon as it begins than going through the long, tedious, and painful process of a root canal.

A dental checkup is required at least twice a year. A dentist can guide the parents on proper eating and brushing habits in order to prevent cavities at an early stage.

Using a Fluoride Toothpaste

Now you must be thinking that it is better to buy a “safe if ingested”labeled toothpaste for your toddler.

These kinds of toothpaste don’t contain fluorides in them and that makes them as good as nothing. Make sure that you start brushing your child’s teeth with a grain-sized amount and train them not to swallow. The fluorides help in remineralizing the parts of the teeth infected by bacterial acids.

Time the Candies

Most dentists recommend totally giving up sweets but come on, let’s be real. Children are not going to give up something that is so dear to them.

If you force them not to eat candies, they will do so behind your back such as in school or someplace else. The best way is to limit the use of candies. Let your children eat something sweet after meals. There is more saliva to protect your teeth.

Make Brushing Fun

Brushing teeth often comes across as a burden to the kids. Make a game out of it if you want your child to brush his teeth regularly.

Flossing Isn’t Optional

Inculcating flossing habits in kids from an early age is essential even when the permanent teeth haven’t set in. You can prevent the unwanted deposition of plaque only with proper brushing accompanied by flossing.

Kids are not going to be enthusiastic about taking care of their oral hygiene as long as you try to impose it on them. Make up stories about the toothpaste fighting the evil germs.

Make brushing and flossing fun and your visits to the dentist will only be limited to regular checkups!

Dr.Sridhar Internationl Dental Hospitals