Ensuring quality dental care for our children can feel like a monumental responsibility. But its importance should never be undervalued. From the moment those gums start growing, a journey begins of due diligence in care and prevention. If you’re not sure where to start though, you’re in the right place.

Here we examine some do’s and don’ts of dental hygiene to empower parents in protecting their kids’ oral health.

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The Do’s of Dental Care for Kids

1. Introduce Early Dental Care: Establishing good oral health from birth is absolutely vital. Cleaning gums gently using a soft damp cloth or silicone finger brush will lay down an important foundation for their future dental wellbeing.

2. Emphasise Proper Brushing Technique: Proper brushing techniques are key in avoiding nasty dental problems. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Then gently brush twice each day for two minutes on all teeth. Remember to pay special attention paid to back molars.

3. Encourage Regular Flossing: Starting flossing when their teeth touch one another. This is usually around the age of two to three. Starting this practice regularly helps remove plaque and debris from between their teeth for healthier gums and less cavities.

4. Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups: It’s an absolute must that children visit a paediatric dentist regularly to monitor and address any potential dental concerns as soon as they appear. Around age one, when their first tooth should have emerged, is a good time to start. Once they’ve started to get teeth, book in dental visits about once every 12-18 months. They can also help you navigate teenage issues like whether they need clear braces or not. 

5. Nourish with a Balanced Diet: A diet rich with fruits and vegetables will do wonders for your kids dental health. Stay away from sugary snacks and beverages in favour of water as its the ultimate tonic for teeth health.

6. Consider Sealants and Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride treatments offer deeper protection from dental caries. Sealants cover molars from decay with protective layers while fluoride strengthens enamel against acid attacks.

7. Establish A Positive Example: Children follow in their parents’ footsteps. Setting an excellent oral hygiene example can instil lifelong positive habits for your little ones. And helps by encouraging your kids to take care of their own teeth. 

The Don’ts of Dental Care for Kids

1. Avoid Excessive Sugar: We know excessive sugar intake contributes significantly to tooth decay. So limit sugary snacks and drinks which feed harmful bacteria that attack tooth enamel. This’ll help minimise tooth decay risk.

2. Proper Brushing Technique: Improper or vigorous brushing techniques can lead to gum irritation and enamel erosion. Encourage gentle and thorough brushing. And make sure to supervise young children until they can handle a toothbrush on their own.

3. Avoid Sharing Toothbrushes: To lower the risk of bacterial transmission, avoid sharing utensils and toothbrushes among family members. This practice could increase kids exposure to infectious pathogens. And that’s not something you want to introduce your bundle of joy to. 

4. Address Dental Issues Quickly: Seek early treatment of any dental issues no matter how big or small they might seem. This helps minimise risk, prevent complications and ensure appropriate dental development.

5. Empathise With Kids: Dental anxiety is really common among children. So it’s crucial we try our hardest to understand their concerns. This will ensure a more positive and relaxing dental experience for your little one. Be patient, supportive and try creating a comfortable atmosphere when visiting their dental appointment.

6. Teeth Aren’t Tools: Remind your children not to use their teeth as tools in everyday activities. Little kids might take longer to learn this as they’ll use their teeth for lots of things. But quiet, consistent reminders will set them on the right path. 

7. Mouthguards For Sports: Always provide your child with a well-fitted mouthguard when playing sports to reduce risk of dental injuries and protect their smile. 

Conclusion

Promoting proper dental health for your kids demands an unyielding dedication and diligence on your part. Especially when it comes to instilling and maintaining optimal dental care habits for life. 

From their first gummy smiles through permanent tooth development, proactive dental care will pave the way to healthier oral habits in years ahead.

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Note: This is a collaborative article