Kids’ Dental Care: The Importance of Good Dental Hygiene Practices

Tooth decay is the top dental issue for preschoolers today. Ten percent of two-year-olds have cavities, which jumps to 50 percent for five-year-olds. Parents often don’t worry about these cavities because they are in baby teeth. However, tooth decay can impact permanent teeth and cause future dental issues. Good oral hygiene is essential at all ages, even in babies. 

Teaching Good Habits

Protect a child’s teeth by teaching them good dental habits at a young age. When parents coach their children, these habits become second nature. They won’t even think about them as they complete their daily routine. Nevertheless, parents must supervise this process, as young children lack the control and concentration to do the job independently. Parents must ensure they remove all plaque that can lead to tooth decay. When monitoring the child, look for white or brown spots on teeth that indicate the early stages of decay. Children may need a new pediatric dentist if their current dentist doesn’t prioritize good hygiene. 

Brushing Teeth

Children need to brush their teeth twice daily, just as adults do. Parents should brush their teeth until the child can, starting when the first tooth comes in. Use fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice to brush the teeth, and only use brushes with soft bristles. Look for a brush created for the child’s specific stage of life. 

When the child turns three, increase the amount of toothpaste used. Aim for a pea-sized blob of toothpaste to clean the teeth and prevent decay. Try different flavors to find one the child loves, and teach kids not to swallow the toothpaste. While they may be unable to rinse or spit, it never hurts to try teaching these skills. 

Children can brush their teeth using any motion. The goal is to ensure they clean each tooth thoroughly. Kids focus on only the parts they can see, so parents must remind them to brush the backs of their teeth and other areas not visible to them. Parents must continue supervising the process until the child is eight. 

Limit Sugar Intake

Cleaning the teeth does a lot to prevent tooth decay. However, the child’s diet is also essential. To lower the risk of cavities, minimize sugar intake. Dried fruit, caramel, and other sticky foods full of sugar seriously harm the teeth. Help the child brush their teeth every time they eat a food containing sugar. Parents often give their children juice in a sippy cup to enjoy throughout the day. This juice contains sugar that bathes the teeth all day. Avoid giving them sugary drinks in these cups, even drinks containing natural sugars, to lower the risk of cavities. 

Regular Checkups

Pediatricians often check the child’s teeth and gums during well-child visits, but parents should take their children to a dentist when the first tooth comes in. Many parents assume the child doesn’t need to go to a dentist if the doctor doesn’t see any issues. That is not the case. Dentists see things the pediatrician might miss. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children see a dentist before their first birthday. 

The dentist ensures the teeth are developing correctly. They look for dental issues and advise parents on proper oral hygiene for kids. The dentist may apply a topical fluoride solution to protect the teeth from decay and prescribe fluoride drops or chewable tablets to use at home. 

Oral health affects overall health. Parents need to prioritize dental care from the time their children are born. Doing so will set them up for good health throughout their lives.