A healthy smile starts early. As a parent, you play a big role in making sure your child develops good oral hygiene habits from a young age. This lays the foundation for a lifetime of dental health. Here’s what you need to know.
Develop a Dental Care Routine
Get your child used to brushing their teeth twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime. Make it fun by letting them pick out a colourful toothbrush and toothpaste in a flavour they enjoy, such as bubblegum or strawberry. You should brush their teeth for them until they develop the motor skills to properly brush on their own, around age 7 or 8. Flossing is also important once their teeth start touching, around age 3. Add this to their routine as well.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or when you see their first tooth emerge. Early exposure gets them comfortable with dental visits and allows the dentist to monitor for potential issues. Routine check-ups and cleanings should happen every 6 months. The dentist can apply protective treatments like sealants and fluoride varnish to help prevent cavities. If you are a foster carer with an agency like Fosterplus, you’ll need to ask when they are due for their next checkup.
Watch What They Eat and Drink
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can lead to cavities and enamel erosion. Limit juice, fizzy drinks, and sweets. Offer them nutritious whole foods instead along with primarily water and milk to drink. Avoid letting toddlers fall asleep with juice or a bottle, as the sugars will pool around their teeth all night.
Deal with Thumb Sucking
Many kids find comfort in sucking their thumb or fingers. This can affect tooth alignment and facial development over time. Praise them when they are not doing it rather than criticising them when they are. Consider providing distractions like a soft toy and ask the dentist about appliances if it persists beyond age 4.
Teach Them to Take Responsibility
As your child masters brushing, let them take over while you monitor their technique and thoroughness. Instil in them that they are responsible for caring for their own teeth. Have them brush for 2 minutes twice a day. After meals they can swish water around their mouth to clear food debris. Lead by example and show them the dental care steps you take so they understand the lifelong commitment.
Signs of Gum Disease in Children
One of the most common signs is inflamed gums. Healthy gums should be firm and pink. Red, puffy, or gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing, indicate potential gum issues. Children with gum disease may also have chronic bad breath. Bacteria builds up in the mouth when plaque is not removed properly and can leave a foul odour.
Advanced gum disease in children can destroy connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth. This eventually leads to painful, loose teeth that may fall out prematurely if the disease goes untreated.
Keeping a look out for these signs and taking your child to the dentist promptly can prevent the gum disease from getting worse and save teeth. The dentist may recommend special deep cleanings, plaque removal, and possibly antibiotics or antimicrobials if needed. Addressing gum issues in children leads to better long-term dental health.
Building excellent dental care habits from infancy will ensure your child has healthy, strong teeth that last decades. Be proactive and make oral hygiene a priority in your household. It will pay off with trouble-free smiles today and into adulthood.
