Dental Health for Kids

Dental health for kids; there are two unsung heroes that often go unnoticed in our daily routines which are brushing and flossing.  These two routines might me simple, but they play an important role in fighting against cavities and gum troubles. After eating, the bacteria break down sugar on the teeth into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities.

Brushing and flossing aren’t just about keeping your teeth shiny and strong, they are also your child secret weapon in the quest for a happy, healthy smile. By making brushing and flossing part of your daily routine, you are not only taking care of your teeth but also learning important skills for a lifetime of good oral health. So, give a toothbrush and floss for your child and lead them to discover how these simple habits can make a good start for your children.

 

Tips for brushing.

As your child eats throughout the day, plaque will accumulate on their teeth. Brushing twice a day is an essential part of removing plaque, but it is not sufficient.

• Start early: as soon as baby first tooth appears, parents can begin gently brushing it with soft infant toothbrush or a clean damp cloth. This helps to remove bacteria and get you baby used to the sensation of brushing.
• Choose the right toothpaste: For babies under 2 years old, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste like a size of a grain of rice. For children aged 2-6 years old. Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Use the right toothbrush: Select a brush with soft bristles, small head and easy grip handle. Picking a brush with their favourite character on it can be very fun when brushing.
• Right technique: Instruct your child how to brush teeth in a right technique. Demonstrate to them that brush should be held 45-degree angle and teach them how to brush from the base of tooth and gum line towards the chewing surface. Importantly, don’t forget to tell them brush the tongue and roof of the mouth.
• Remember to replace the toothbrush every 3 months and also every after illness.

 

Tips for flossing.

Once the child has two teeth that are touching, a toothbrush alone is no longer anough to clean your child’s teeth. That’s mean parents need to begin flossing their child teeth everyday as soon as two teeth are touching.

Parents can let toodler pick their favourite floss flavour as they are many flavours available in stores now.Other than that, is pick floss is your choice, parents can try to let the child choose any fun coloured handles.

Flossing will be a life changing part in keeping the teeth clean and shine. Parents can also show some tv shows about flossing to encourage them. To make flossing easier, parents can purchase floss picks instead of string floss.

FLOSS PICK

• Move the floss up and down the sides of each tooth.
• Rinse the floss after cleaning each tooth.
• Replace the pick when the string looks worn.

STRING FLOSS

• Teach your child to measure a string of floss from their fingers to the elbow.
• Wrap most of the floss around one finger (index fingers) and thumbs.
• Guide the floss between your child’s teeth.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into “C” shape so that it hugs the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly and gently rub the floss up and down.
• Repeat the steps for the other tooth as well.

 

WHAT I EAT THAT AFFECT MY TEETH?

The major effect that causing decay for our teeth is defenitely sugar. Sugar will interacts with the bacteria within the plaque to produce acid and will solowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or activities in the teeth.

• Sticky and chewy foods
• Desserts
• Sugar sweetened drinks and juices
• Encourage your child to drink water instead of sugary beverages. Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated, which is essential for maintaining good oral health.
• Offer your child healthy alternatives like fruits, vegetables, cheese, or yogurt. These foods are not only better for their overall health but also for their teeth.

It is best for parents to limit snacking as little as possible in between meals. If possible, train your child to brush their teeth after snacking. Consistency is key when it comes to dental hygiene. Encourage your child to brush and floss every day, even when they’re tired or busy. Making it a non-negotiable part of their daily routine will help establish lifelong habits.

Usually the kids might show a tantrum if oral care is not part of their daily routine. So parents can make brushing and flossing into a game.Add something fun to the process to motivate the child. Either give them rewards every time they complete the tasks like offer to buy them a new toy if they brush and floss twice a day for a week.

To mantain your child’s teeth condition, you can bring your child every 6 months to the dentist to avoid any tooth decay, gum disease and any other tooth problems.

 

 

REFERENCES

Duty, S. (2020, August 26). Brushing and Flossing Tips from a Children’s Dentist. Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids. https://smilesdentistry4kids.com/brushing-and-flossing-tips-from-a-childrens-dentist/

Tips For Teaching Kids How To Brush & Floss. (n.d.). Www.fairmontwvdentist.com. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.fairmontwvdentist.com/blog/220597-tips-for-teaching-kids-how-to-brush-amp-floss

Taking Care of Your Teeth (for Kids) – Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Kidshealth.org. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/teeth-care.html

hurst. (2020, December 8). A Guide to Flossing Children’s Teeth | Tips & Tricks. Hurst Pediatric Dentistry. https://hurstpediatricdentistry.com/2020/12/08/a-guide-to-flossing-childrens-teeth/‌

Eating Healthy to Promote Strong Teeth in Children. (n.d.). Kids Dental Online – Plano & Carrollton. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.kidsdentalonline.com/dental-topics/oral-hygiene/eating-healthy-promote-strong-teeth-children/#:~:text=Foods%20To%20Limit%20Or%20Avoid&text=Sticky%2C%20chewy%20foods%E2%80%94Sugary%20foods

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