3 Top Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Oral Health

Parents have a responsibility to care for their children’s dental health, which will ensure they develop healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it can prevent the development of various medical conditions and help their kids to achieve a straight, white smile, which can support their self-esteem.

To protect your son or daughter’s teeth and gums every day of the week, you should read the following three top tips for caring for achild’s oral health.

1. Brush Your Child’s Teeth Twice Per Day

Once your child reaches the age of one or two, you should use a soft child-sized toothbrush to brush their teeth twice per day. You should add a dab of toothpaste onto a brush with water, but it shouldn’t contain fluoride, as it isn’t safe for young children to swallow. Once your child reaches an age when he or she can spit away the toothpaste, you should pick up a brand that contains fluoride.

It’s likely your son or daughter will need assistance brushing their teeth until they are seven or eight years old. You should, therefore, use this time to show them how to effectively brush their teeth, and you must change their toothbrush every three to six months.

While not all kids will be eager to brush their teeth twice per day or have their teeth cleaned for them, you must persevere and try to make the process as fun as possible.

2. Book a Dental Checkup

Children should visit their dentist at least twice per year for a checkup, which can prevent them from developing various oral complaints or can treat a growing issue. 

It is also wise to talk to a dentist for advice and to ask questions regarding their services. For example, you should ask:

• How often should my child visit the dentist?

• What is the best toothpaste for my child?

• Does my child have a high risk for cavities?

• How often can my child use mouthwash?

• Is it okay for my child to chew gum?

It will help you to make informed decisions when supporting your child’s dental health. It is also important to find a qualified dentist near you, so you can enjoy peace of mind they will source high-quality products from the best dental supply companies. Click here to discover the type of products they’ll need to use each day to support patient safety.

3. Monitor Their Diet 

A balanced diet is not only essential for helping your child to maintain a healthy weight, but it can also reduce their risk of cavities. To ensure they make healthy food choices for their oral and physical health, you must limit their consumption of sugar.

For example, you shouldn’t allow your children to consume too much soda, sweetened drinks, or fruit juices. You also should monitor the number of snacks they eat between meals.

If you do allow your child to consume sugar, you must instruct them to brush their teeth and tongue afterward – or help them to do so. Older children can also chew sugar-free gum safely, which can:

• Increase the production of saliva

• Clean away food remnants

• Freshen breath

• Balance acid that can lead to tooth decay