Our oral health is as important as our overall health. That’s why you should make sure to give the right care to your kids for them to have good oral health. Infants and toddlers rely on their parents or caregivers to care for their oral health and teach them to do it themselves.
As such, we’ve compiled a list of healthcare tips that you can practice and teach your children. Start this oral health routine as early as 0 months, as oral bacteria won’t choose an age when they start destroying your child’s mouth.
Use Orthodontic Pacifier
The first thing you must do for your child’s oral health care is promote healthy oral habits with an orthodontic pacifier. Orthodontic pacifiers are designed to imitate the shape of a mother’s nipples to provide comfort and accommodate the baby’s tongue’s natural movement.
This pacifier’s design is also created to support the shape of the baby’s developing teeth and jaw. As a result, it can help prevent oral problems in the future, unlike with the conventional pacifiers.
Conventional pacifiers, which were more rounder in shape, were known to have caused misaligned teeth in children. That’s why pediatric dentists have created a solution by designing orthodontic pacifiers that provide babies the comfort they want without putting their oral health at risk.
Clean Your Child’s Gums, Tongue, and Teeth.
Cleaning your child’s teeth or gums is vital to promote healthy oral health. It doesn’t matter if your little one is just an infant or already a toddler. Cleaning their mouth is a must-do task. If your child is still an infant and doesn’t have their first tooth yet, what you can do to take care of their oral health is to clean their tongue, inner cheeks, and gums.
You should also do the same after feeding. Cleaning before and after meals is a must to remove the bacteria inside your toddler’s mouth. Remember, bacteria knows no age and can affect anyone, given the right circumstances.
You can use a baby’s tongue cleaner to clean their entire mouth. If your little one’s first tooth has already popped out, you can use a soft bristle baby brush to clean it.
By introducing your child early to the importance of cleaning their mouth, they will get used to it, and it’ll be part of their daily routine. This way, you wouldn’t have to worry about their oral health as they age.
Avoid Sugary Drinks And Snacks
Kids love sugary food and drinks. However, too much sugar, carbs, and acid can destroy your child’s teeth. That’s why if you’re worried about their oral health, try limiting the amount of sugary foods you introduce to your children.
Instead, introduce them to healthier alternatives like fruits that are rich in fiber, vegetables, and nuts. Cheese and yogurts are also a good choice as they contain calcium, which is good for the bones and teeth.
Not only will you be confident that your child’s oral health is well-taken care of if they are given this kind of food, but you can also ensure that their overall health is well-taken care of.
That’s why you must start introducing healthy food options to your kids early in life. This way, they will be accustomed to it and prefer healthy food over the unhealthy ones.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride prevents tooth decay, fights bad breath, and lowers the risk of gum disease. Additionally, it can also help remineralize and strengthen teeth. What’s amazing about fluoride is that it’s safe for adults and children.
If your kid is under the age of three, you can use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to clean their mouth. A pea-sized amount is enough for children 3 to 6 years old to clean their mouth.
The amount of chemical composition of fluoride in tap water and toothpaste is generally safe to use for adults and kids alike. However, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis that results in brownish or white speckles on your kid’s teeth. As mentioned above, a pea-sized amount is enough for bigger kids. Children below three are advised to use smaller amounts, say the size of a grain.
Floss Your Child’s Teeth
As soon as your toddler’s teeth grow closer together, you should start introducing dental floss to them. Aside from brushing, flossing is equally important. Food can easily get trapped between teeth, and brushing alone can’t remove them. A child’s tooth starts to grow closer together at around the age of two. So, it’s also the right time to introduce flossing. But flossing a toddler’s teeth can be more tricky than brushing them. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you floss your teeth together.
As you both floss, show them how it’s done right and also educate them about the importance of flossing. Remember to assist your kid in flossing as they might hurt their gums, which could bleed. Tell them to do it slowly and nicely.
Final Words
You must do so many things for such a tiny human being’s mouth. But as a parent, we are responsible for looking after their oral health and teaching them the proper way to care for them. So, start doing the must-do oral health care to your children as soon as possible and start them young.