Establishing good oral hygiene early on sets your child’s dental health for the long haul. If your child loves eating sweets but hates brushing their teeth, it’s time to cut down on bad oral habits before they regret it.
Teeth development happens in different stages: from teething to developing primary teeth up to having a set of 32 permanent ones. Most of these will be visible by age 12.
So how do you make sure your child has healthy teeth? Let this be your checklist on habits you should instill in them.
1. Brush at least twice a day or after every meal.
Remind them—and be strict about it—to brush their teeth regularly to get rid of bacteria from any food that they eat. Aside from cleaning their pearly whites, they should also brush their tongue and their gums for overall dental health. Kids are recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation in their teeth and gums.
2. Visit a dentist regularly.
Kids are advised to visit their dentists at least every six months for regular dental care. This way, the professional can do routine cleaning and track if your kid is at risk for having cavities or any other dental problems. Your child’s first should also be scheduled by the time they celebrate their first birthday.
3. Floss at least once a day.
Flossing is another crucial part of any dental care routine. Teach your child to floss at least once a day. Flossing is usually advised as soon as your child has teeth that touch each other, which is around age 2 or 3. Ask your dentist for any flossing advice.
4. Eat nutritious food.
So much of what we eat affects our oral health. For example, eating too much sugary food can promote cavity growth in their teeth, so they made need to cut down on sweets and soda as much as possible.
5. Replace toothbrush regularly.
Avoid using a toothbrush for far too long because the quality of its bristle can diminish over time. Overused toothbrushes can also damage your child’s teeth. Replace a toothbrush when its bristles start to fall out or at least every three months.
6. Be conscious of thumb-sucking habit.
Children who don’t get over their thumb-sucking habit after the age of 4 may have problems with their teeth alignment in the future. Let your dentist know if this is the case so they can suggest solutions.
7. Be a role model.
Set yourself as the best example for your child by showing them how you also care for your own oral health. Let your child see you brushing or flossing your teeth so they can model the behavior.
