5 simple steps to brush up your kid's dental health

Oral health should be of top priority in kids, just like potty training and vaccination.

5 simple steps to brush up your kid's dental health

While all of us feel that kids have milk teeth, which eventually fall out and, therefore, do not require much care, experts say otherwise.

Oral health should be of top priority in kids, just like potty training and vaccination. Decay in the milk teeth can lead to a permanent infection in the gums, which means that the new teeth would also be prone to decay

This is why it so important to inculcate good oral hygiene in small kids and even babies. Follow these five simple steps for healthier teeth and gums of your child.

Start brushing early

You can start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Clean them twice a day using a soft toothbrush or a clean washcloth. Do not use toothpaste for babies smaller than 18 months of age. While your baby can also try his hand at brushing his teeth, you need to follow up to see all his pearly whites are clean. You can buy a brush with a favorite cartoon character to develop his interest.

Foods to eat and omit

The best foods for better oral health are fresh and unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and home-cooked meals. Avoids foods that have high sugar content, added sugar or sugar substitutes. Always remember that sugar is the worst enemy of your baby’s teeth.

Choose the right toothpaste

Choosing the best toothpaste for children can be overwhelming with so many choices available in the market. You can consult your pediatric dentist for the best toothpaste brands for your kids. You should avoid choosing toothpaste that contains harmful ingredients and fluoride, as it can be detrimental to their teeth. Also, tell your child not to swallow the toothpaste.

Making the first dentist appointment

Your child’s first oral health visit to the pediatric dentist should be shortly after the eruption of the first baby teeth. The dentist will evaluate your child’s oral and dental health and find out if any cavities exist. Do not wait for the first cavity to appear to go to the dentist. Dental visits from an early age can mean a lifetime of good dental health. Identifying signs of early childhood decay is vital.

Flossing is important too

Parents should let kids floss their teeth daily. Ideally children should start flossing by the age of two. Gradually, they will learn how to floss on their own when they are 10. If they get into the habit of flossing their milk teeth, they would continue the practice even when they have permanent teeth. This would lay the foundation of better dental health in the future.

Do you know of any other way you know to keep your childrens teeth healthy

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