How To Guarantee Good Oral Health For Children

Looking after your teeth and maintaining good oral health is crucial for the wellbeing of all individuals. But it’s especially important for children, who are at a rapid stage of growth and development.

 

Getting to grips with healthy oral hygiene habits early on not only ensures a bright and healthy smile but also sets the foundations for a lifetime of good dental health.

 

We’ve pulled together some straightforward tips to help parents take care of their children’s oral health. 

 

Register with a family dentist

 

The NHS provides free dental care for children and advises that a child’s first dental appointment should take place when the first milk teeth appear. Family dental practices are accommodating to children and well-practised at putting nervous child patients at ease.

 

Regular check-ups not only allow the dentist to check on the health of your child’s teeth, but they’ll also allow your child to become familiar with the dentist chair and dental practice environment.

 

Practise good brushing techniques

 

Teaching your child the correct way to brush their teeth is fundamental. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush appropriate for their age and a fluoride toothpaste as this will help to prevent tooth decay. 

 

Encourage your child to brush their teeth in a gentle, circular motion for at least two minutes in the morning and before bed, ensuring they reach all surfaces. Children often learn by observing their parents so you can show them how you do it, while you observe them.

 

Choose child-friendly dental products

 

Child-friendly dental products are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of young children. They come in a variety of fun designs and flavours that make oral hygiene routines more engaging and enjoyable for kids. 

 

Child-friendly toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss are also tailored to fit smaller mouths and hands, making it easier for children to learn and practise proper brushing and flossing techniques. Most of all, these products should incorporate essential safety features to prevent choking hazards.

 

Establish a consistent routine

 

A regular dental routine establishes discipline and responsibility in children, teaching them the value of self-care and personal hygiene from an early age. Regular teeth cleaning ensures the ongoing maintenance of your child’s oral health, and consistent brushing and flossing help prevent dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. 

 

Limit foods high in sugar and acid

 

Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods can lead to tooth decay and erosion. These substances provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that attack tooth enamel, potentially causing cavities and weakening teeth. 

 

While children are still learning to master their dental cleaning routines, it’s especially important to limit the amount of sugary food and drink they consume.

 

Address thumb-sucking and dummy use

 

Encourage your child to break thumb-sucking and dummy habits as they get older to prevent issues with tooth alignment. These soothing but addictive habits can affect children’s dental development.

 

Offering emotional support can help children gradually outgrow these comforting habits. Dentists can also provide valuable guidance and may be able to recommend devices to deter thumb-sucking or suggest timed dummy-weaning strategies.

 

Encourage healthy habits

 

Getting your child into the habit of drinking water regularly can help them maintain good oral health since it will wash away harmful bacteria and acids in the mouth. Pay attention and discourage your child from developing bad habits such as nail biting or teeth grinding which can lead to wear and tear of their delicate teeth.

 

Get in touch if you have any questions regarding your child’s dental health and we’d be more than happy to help. We offer no-obligation consultations – simply fill out our online form. Alternatively, contact us by calling +44 (0) 020 8090 9975 or email info@faceteethsmile.com.