Teaching your kids the importance of good dental hygiene is vital, and needs to be done as early as possible. It’s a long-term investment in their physical health that will protect them for the rest of their life. After all, good dental hygiene plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing.
If you’re unsure about how to start or what to teach them, you’re in the right place! Let’s take a look at 4 essential dental habits that all kids should know about.
Tooth brushing
This is by far the number one dental habit that all parents must instill in their kids. Children need to be taught how to brush their teeth step by step. This includes the amount of toothpaste they need to use, the brushing motion, and the duration for which they need to brush.
Parents need to begin brushing their kids’ teeth as soon as they first appear. For babies, use a fluoride toothpaste, but be cautious to only use the equivalent of a grain of rice. Move on to a pea-sized amount when your child turns 3. Gently brush their teeth so they don’t experience any discomfort or bleeding gums. Even as toddlers, they need to brush their teeth twice a day. In a few years’ time, they will be able to brush their teeth without assistance.
Flossing
Flossing is another important part of our daily dental routine. It ensures no food particles are left behind between the teeth. According to the experts at URMC, flossing should only be encouraged when a child is 3 and above. Due to the sharp nature of the floss and the tricky method, parents should floss their child’s teeth until the age of eight to avoid any injuries taking place.
Too much sugar
Parents need to start educating their kids about bacteria and cavities from an early age, starting with sugar intake. Sugar is the number one villain when it comes to oral hygiene in children. The more regularly their teeth are exposed to sugary treats and beverages, the longer they will stay in the mouth. Bacteria feed off this sugar, building up in the mouth and attacking the gums and teeth. Don’t make your children dependent on sugary foods like chocolates, candies, cakes, cookies, etc. Teach them to understand that such foods and beverages are to be consumed once in a while.
Annual dental appointments
Get your children used to visiting a dentist at an early age. This way, they won’t be terrified of being in the dentist’s chair. Annual checkups will determine the health of their teeth so parents can know which areas need to be worked on and if any treatment is needed. Dentists can also give you good advice on how to improve your child’s oral hygiene.
If you’re looking for a dental clinic for your yearly checkups, visit us for family and cosmetic dentistry NJ. Our dentists have years of experience in the field, giving patients perfect teeth and healthy gums. We also specialize in affordable dental implants NJ. Call (856) 829-8668 for more information.