How To Take Care Of Your Child’s Dental Health

Cavities, tooth decay, and bite issues are some of the common dental problems seen in children. As if taking care of children isn’t a difficult task, parents are also left to fend for themselves when finding the right approach to meet their dental care needs. Should my child be flossing? Does my 5-year-old need braces? When should I take my child for their first dental appointment? These are all questions parents have asked themselves at some point in their life.

In this blog, you will learn how to take care of your child’s dental health. So, let’s get started.

When should your child start brushing?

A child’s oral care should begin when they are just one or two years old. You should begin brushing your baby’s teeth with a tiny bit of infant toothpaste twice a day. Once they are old enough to spit, you should add a tiny bit of fluoride-based toothpaste and teach them how to reach their gums, teeth, and tongue. Your child will need your assistance until they are 7 or 8 when they learn to do it themselves fully.  To keep in mind, toothbrushes wear off every few months, so you should make sure to replace them every 3 to 6 months.

The key tip to make your child’s brushing tips fun

It can be taxing to get your child to comply with your demands especially relating to tasks they are not very keen on - like brushing, in this case. So, here are a few tips that could come in handy in the process.

• Allow them to choose a toothbrush for themselves.
• Let them choose the toothpaste based on their favorite color as it gives them the motivation to keep up the habit.
• Use a timer to ensure they brush their teeth for at least two minutes.
• Watch videos or read books about oral hygiene with them.
• Offer them rewards for good oral hygiene practices.
• When you visit the dentist with your child, make sure to follow it up with a fun activity.

To sum it up, a child who practices good oral hygiene often carries the practice for the rest of their lives. So, you should take all the necessary steps to ensure they have all the right practices in place to lead a healthier lifestyle.