As you get older, you start to realize your teeth are not going to last forever. With age, comes an increasing number of dental problems, including cavities, staining, receding gums, and sensitivity. If only you had foreseen these issues when you were younger, perhaps you would have taken more care of your teeth. The best you can do now is look after them the best you can and see a dentist regularly.
If you are the parent of a young child, you don’t want them to grow up having issues with their dental health. A strong set of teeth should last you the rest of your life, and with the right care, they will. Once your child’s baby teeth start falling out and the adult teeth are poking through, they’re set for life—one set of teeth to last them until old age. If you are not making sure your child takes care of their teeth, now is the time to start. By implementing a strict dental hygiene regime in your household, you will create good habits that they will continue to keep up with into adulthood.
1. Get started early
Many parents believe that because baby teeth will eventually fall out and make way for adult teeth, it is not as important to look after them. But taking good care of baby teeth establishes good dental habits that your child will carry throughout their life. From the moment your little one’s first teeth start to poke through, it is crucial that you get them used to the idea of having a toothbrush in their mouth twice a day. At first, it may be easier to use a damp cloth or flannel wrapped around a finger to clean any bacteria from around the gums, but as their teeth develop, you can switch to a children’s toothbrush.
Another great way to get your child used to dental hygiene is to bring them with you when you have a dentist’s appointment. Being accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of the dentist’s office will prevent any negative feelings about the dentist later in life.
2. Make tooth brushing fun
If brushing their teeth is seen to be a chore, your child will be less motivated to keep it up. They should brush for two minutes every morning and every night, and to ensure they do so, you could make the process more fun for them. Perhaps ask them to brush their teeth for the length of a song that they enjoy, or turn it into a game where they have to fight off the evil sugar bugs infesting their mouth. You could also implement a reward system whereby they earn a treat whenever they keep up their brushing for a whole week or month.
3. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
Your child’s diet is a huge influence on their oral health, so by restricting their access to unhealthy foods and drinks, you will help to maintain their dental hygiene. Sugary snacks and fizzy drinks are the worst offenders. Although there is nothing wrong with an occasional treat, they should not regularly feature in your child’s diet. No child is born with a sweet tooth; it is a habit that develops from continued exposure to unhealthy foods. By starting them off with a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, fresh fruit and vegetables, you will set a precedent for the rest of their life.
4. Set an example
You can tell a child to clean their teeth all they want, but if you aren’t practicing the same habits, they will be less inclined to do so. Show them that you do the same, perhaps by cleaning your teeth together and refraining from eating unhealthy foods in front of your child.
5. Visit a dentist regularly
Even if your child has no mouth problems, it is important to be able to identify any issues before they become serious. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist for a checkup every six months. By establishing the importance of dental health in their childhood, they will be more likely to stay on top of it when they are older and no longer answer to their parents.
6. Consider orthodontics
As your child approaches their teens, the straightness of their teeth, and the position of their bite may become an issue. If so, you may need to consider orthodontic treatment, usually in the form of braces. Your child will wear these for between one and two years, and their straighter teeth will significantly improve their confidence and self-esteem throughout adolescence and beyond.
Guaranteeing your child’s dental hygiene needn’t be a chore. With the right techniques, you can make proper oral habits fun and enjoyable and ensure they stick with them for the rest of their life.
