Good Dental Habits for Your Child’s Oral Health

Dental caries is a significant health problem among children in the US. According to the latest data by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 40% of children between the ages of two and eight, 21% of children between the ages of six and eleven, and an alarming 53% of children in their teens experience dental caries. These numbers indicate the importance of good dental care.

When Should You Start Dental Care?

Dental care starts way before a baby’s first tooth appears. Studies have shown that an average baby has 20 primary teeth at the time of birth inside their jaws, some of which are fully developed.

This means that you need to start a proper dental care routine even before the baby starts teething. As your child continues to grow and new teeth start erupting, it increases the level of care required to prevent caries, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

Good Oral Habits for Your Child’s Dental Health

Once the primary teeth develop a problem, it increases the likelihood of your child’s permanent teeth developing dental issues. The best way to prevent cavities and decay is to instill good dental habits. These include:

Brush Twice a Day Every Day!

The first step toward good dental hygiene is developing a habit of brushing the teeth daily. Brushing the teeth twice a day is highly recommended by most dental experts. Your child might need some help at first, but by the age of three or four they should be able to brush their teeth without assistance.

Start with a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice initially and increase it to pea-sized by the age of three.

Get a good brush that is suitable for your child’s sensitive gums. Do the same with toothpaste and find one that has a good flavor that your child enjoys. However, make sure you teach them about the dangers of swallowing toothpaste!

Get Enough Fluoride

Fluoride is very good for your child’s teeth, as it toughens the enamel making it hard for the acids in foods to penetrate. A lot of towns in America have fluoridated tap water which can be highly beneficial.

In case the water isn’t fluoridated, you can get fluoride-rich toothpaste and fluoride supplements from a dentist. Too much of a good thing can also be bad for you, so make sure you consult your dentist to avoid tooth discoloration that is caused by too much fluoride.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Experts recommend taking your child to the dentist at an early age to emphasize the importance of good dental care. Taking your child six months after their first tooth appears is ideal. The dentist can catch any dental issues, deformities, and deficiencies early on and prevent the development of caries. They can also help manage any tooth decay and prevent it from spreading to other teeth.

Dental Care and Child Care Centers:

65% of the children in the United States who receive childcare attend some form of center-based programs such as childcare centers, daycare, pre-kindergarten, and nursery schools. Most childcare centers are required to address the oral health needs of children in their licensing regulations.

At Kids ‘R’ Kids we stress upon the importance of good oral hygiene from an early stage. Being a reputable toddler and childcare center in Oviedo, Florida, we take pride in providing engaging activities and awareness campaigns which enable children to develop good habits and gain self-confidence.