Did you know that poor dental hygiene is the most common chronic disease among school-aged children? Dental hygiene, also known as oral hygiene or tooth care, is the practice of keeping teeth and gums clean to prevent disease. Good dental hygiene habits will not only make your child look good but also have a positive impact on their long-term health. Unfortunately, many children today have unhygienic habits which lead to tooth decay or gum disease when they reach adulthood. This is because parents may not be aware of how important it is for kids to brush right from early years. But it’s never too late to start! If you want your kids to develop a lifelong habit of good dental hygiene, here are some tips that can help them achieve that!
Brush with your child daily
Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day is the most important aspect of dental hygiene for kids. It is important to choose the right type of toothbrush for your child’s age and size. For toddlers, it is best to use soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for children, as opposed to adult-sized ones. Preschoolers with growing teeth can use small-headed toothbrushes. For elementary school children, it is best to use a toothbrush with medium-soft bristles, as the brush should be gentle, but also effective in removing plaque and debris that can cause bad breath and lead to cavities.
Make sure your child brushes for at least two minutes twice a day, focusing on removing plaque and debris from the surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces. It is important to note that a significant amount of tooth decay occurs after the age of six, so it is crucial that your child brushes regularly and thoroughly until they transition to a toothbrush with a larger head.
Change Habits Early
Many parents think their kids are too young to start practicing dental hygiene, but the fact is that the younger you start your child with positive dental hygiene habits, the more likely they are to continue them as they grow up. Children above the age of two or three years should be encouraged to start practicing good dental hygiene habits.
As your child’s teeth erupt, make them aware of what they are supposed to do. You can even make it a fun activity by turning it into a game, or make it into a rhyme and sing it with them. You can also use visual aids to make it easier for your child to understand how to brush teeth properly.
Explain the Importance of Dental Check-up
Dental check-ups are extremely important and will help detect dental diseases and problems before they become advanced and cause serious damage. Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child, beginning by the time they reach the age of one.
Explain the importance of these dental check-ups and make sure your child goes to the dentist, even if they don’t have any signs of tooth decay. Even healthy teeth and gums can get infected and cause oral diseases. A dental check-up is the best way to prevent such problems.
Story time
Kids love adventure stories and fairy tales, so make every brushing and flossing session a storytelling event. For example, you can make up a battle of the evil germs versus the good and mighty power of toothpaste. All you need is a healthy imagination, and if you have cartoon-themed toothpastes and toothbrushes, well then, those are your characters right there!
Conclusion
The health of your child’s teeth and gums begins with their first dental hygiene habits. You can start introducing your child to proper dental hygiene habits as early as two years of age. Make sure to brush your child’s teeth and encourage them to brush their teeth regularly as well. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
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