Tag: Paediatric Dentistry

I have had the privilege of working with children and helping them develop healthy oral hygiene habits. It’s crucial to instill these habits at a young age to ensure a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth. In this post, I will provide you with some valuable tips and advice on how to establish good oral hygiene habits in your kids. Let’s get started!

1. Start Early, Start Right:

Oral care should begin even before your child’s first tooth appears. Wipe their gums gently with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding to remove any residual milk or formula. As teeth begin to erupt, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for infants. For more information on how to get started taking care of your child’s oral health, see my previous post on Start Right: Oral Health Tips For Parents

2. Lead by Example:

Children often learn by observing their parents or older siblings. Make oral care a family affair by brushing and flossing together. Seeing you take care of your teeth will motivate and encourage your child to do the same.

3. Make It Fun:

Oral hygiene doesn’t have to be a chore. Get creative and make it an enjoyable experience for your child. Sing along to two minutes of their favorite tune, use colorful toothbrushes and toothpaste, or let them choose their own toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character. By making it fun, you’ll create positive associations with dental care.

4. Teach Proper Technique:

Show your child the correct way to brush their teeth. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and demonstrate gentle, circular motions along the gumline and the surface of the teeth. Encourage them to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Remember to emphasize the importance of brushing the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

5. Introduce Flossing Early:

Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene that often gets overlooked. Once your child’s teeth start touching, usually around the age of two, introduce flossing. Use child-friendly floss to reach in between their teeth. As they grow older, teach them how to use traditional dental floss.

6. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits:

A nutritious diet plays a significant role in maintaining good oral health. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they can lead to tooth decay. Instead, encourage your child to snack on fruits, vegetables, and cheese, which are tooth-friendly choices. Drinking water and diluted beverages instead of concentrated sugary beverages will reduce the risk of cavities and also help wash away food particles.

7. Regular Dental Check-ups:

Schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection of any potential issues and to ensure proper development of their teeth and jaws. Make these visits positive experiences, and your child will feel comfortable and relaxed during future visits.

8. Emphasize the Importance of Consistency:

Consistency is key when it comes to establishing good oral hygiene habits. Encourage your child to brush and floss every day, even when they don’t feel like it. Help them understand that taking care of their teeth is a lifelong commitment that will benefit them in the long run.

By following these tips and advice, you can lay the foundation for good oral hygiene habits in your children. Remember, dental care is not only about having a bright smile but also about maintaining overall health and well-being. Start early, make it fun, and lead by example. Together, we can ensure your child’s dental health for a lifetime.

Start Right: Oral Health Tips For Parents

By Yayra Kpedekpo

On July 12, 2022

In Dentalhygiene, Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry

As parents or guardians (especially new moms), a child’s oral health care is your responsibility and duty. Providing oral care for children can be a daunting task and not an easy feat at all, yet if incorporated early into their daily routine, it becomes more of a habit than a chore. Although primary (baby) teeth will exfoliate (fall out), it is important to keep them clean and healthy to maintain good oral hygiene.

In this post we take a look at good oral health practices for children and the right time to start.

When should my child start seeing a dentist?

Your child’s first dental visit should occur at or within 6 months of eruption of their first tooth but should not be 12 months of age postnatal.

However, prenatal oral health counseling with a dentist for expecting mothers is ideal.

How do I clean my child’s tooth or teeth?

For ages between 0-1-year-olds their mouth (0-6months) and tooth or teeth (6-12months) should be cleaned with a moistened gauze or washcloth wrapped around the index finger of the parent, and used gently to massage the gums and teeth.

For ages between 1-5-year-olds: brushing should be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush and smear of toothpaste to reduce the amount of fluoride ingested.

Don’t forget to floss your children’s teeth as well.

Are there any good oral hygiene practices for babies or children?

To maintain a good oral environment and avoid proliferation of caries (tooth decay) causing bacteria:

Avoid prolonged bottle or breast feeding in babies
No high sugary diets in both babies and children.
Have supervised tooth brushing routines that involve brushing for them, and also along with them.
Just like tooth brushing, cleaning of an infants’ mouth should also be carried out twice a day (2X).

Can I attend my dental appointment with my child?

Yes, you can and should attend your dental appointment as a parent with your child, to help familiarize them and slowly transition them for their own dental visits as well.

How often should my child see the dentist?

A 6 monthly dental visit is essential for children, to allow dentists to carry out preventive procedures and treatment on your child. This allows for early detection of any problems and most importantly provides you with the necessary information on oral health needs tailored to your child.

Final Words

I have had parents who say ‘My child does not allow me to brush or clean their teeth.’

I would like to state that if started at the right time from infancy, good oral habits in children continue through their toddler years to when they are old enough to practice on their own.

But before children are old enough to care for their own oral health, their parents need to start them off right and this can be achieved if parents have and are provided with the needed information on how to optimize oral health care in their children.

Tag: Paediatric Dentistry

Dental Care for Children: Tips and Advice on Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits in Kids

Start Right: Oral Health Tips For Parents