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What are benefits of oral health for kids?

teeth born for kids

Good oral health is important at any age, but your child’s first experiences with teeth are especially critical. If they develop the right habits early on, they’ll be much more likely to have healthy gums and teeth for the rest of their lives. In fact, it’s never too early to begin teaching kids about good oral health. Even before their permanent teeth start coming in, your child can begin establishing healthy habits that will have a long-lasting impact on their smile. Read on to discover why good oral hygiene is so important for kids, as well as some tips for helping them maintain healthy gums and teeth throughout their childhood.

Why is good oral health important for kids?

The most obvious reason to teach your child good oral health habits is to prevent cavities and other dental problems. Kids who aren’t diligent about brushing and flossing regularly are more likely to develop cavities, which can be painful and require a dental visit to treat.

Most kids don’t have the dexterity to brush their teeth properly until they are about 6 or 7 years old. This means that their parents must take on the responsibility of keeping their teeth clean until then. You’ll want to make sure you’re doing a good job so your child can avoid painful infections and future dental problems.

teeth brushing kids

Beyond preventing dental problems, good oral health is essential to the health of your child’s entire body. Healthy gums help seal infection-causing germs away from the rest of the body. Healthy teeth are also essential for normal growth and development.

If a child doesn’t have healthy teeth and gums, he or she will struggle to gain the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. If your child doesn’t take good care of his or her teeth, it can have lasting repercussions.

Untreated cavities can cause tooth loss, which can have a negative impact on your child’s self-esteem. Teeth are also a major factor in your child’s ability to eat and speak properly.

Maintaining healthy gums

Your child’s dental health begins with his or her gums. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and don’t bleed when you brush your teeth. To keep your child’s gums healthy, make sure they are brushing their teeth two times per day (even before the tooth appears) using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.

Kids generally don’t like to visit the dentist, but with the right encouragement and information, they can learn to love taking care of their teeth. Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy gums:

Parents brushing with the kid
Concept of mixed race family brushing teeth at morning. Dentistry

Explain why gum health is so important: Your child’s gums are their first line of defense against gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Help your child understand why he or she must take good care of their gums, including brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.

Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle: Sippy cups and bottles are a common source of tooth decay in toddlers. If your child still drinks from a bottle, encourage them to switch to a sippy cup. When they do fall asleep with a bottle, they’ll be more likely to end up with a mouthful of sugar and bacteria.

Get your child excited about brushing: Kids generally love to imitate their parents, so take advantage of this. You can also try using fun toothbrushes that feature their favorite characters.

Helping kids develop good habits

As you’re helping your child avoid cavities and gum disease, you can also help them develop good oral health habits that will last a lifetime. Here are a few tips for helping your child develop good habits:

Model good oral health habits for your child: Your child is watching everything you do, so make sure you’re setting a good example. Make brushing and flossing a daily ritual, and encourage your child to imitate you.

children dentistry

Discuss how your child’s diet affects their teeth: Kids love to eat, so they must learn how to avoid harmful snacks. Explain to your child that snacks high in sugar are particularly harmful to their teeth.

Use fun tools to teach good oral hygiene habits: There are tons of toys, games, and books designed to help kids understand the importance of good oral hygiene.

Tips for teaching good oral health to kids

If you’ve ever tried to explain the importance of daily brushing and flossing to a child, you know it can be difficult. Here are a few tips for helping your child understand the importance of good oral hygiene:

Make oral hygiene fun: There are tons of kid-friendly oral hygiene products out there. Look for fun toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss holders to make brushing and flossing more exciting for your child.

Keep reminders handy: Posting visual reminders in your child’s room can help them remember to brush and floss. You can also try setting a timer on your phone.

Be patient: Kids are impulsive and often forget to brush and floss. Be patient with your child and try not to get frustrated when they forget.

Conclusion

Kids are often eager to imitate their parents, especially when it comes to things like brushing their teeth. This can make it easier to teach them proper oral hygiene, but it’s important to make sure your child understands why these habits are necessary. Kids can be impulsive, so it’s important to keep reminders handy and remain patient when your child forgets to brush or floss. The earlier you begin teaching your child proper oral hygiene habits, the easier it will be.

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