Healthy Habits: Helping Your Child Make Good Dental Health Decisions

When it comes to teaching your child proper oral health habits, it is best to start when they are young. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents take their children to the dentist no later than the age of two, and preferably before their first birthday. Many toddlers have tooth decay problems related to drinking a bottle at night, and not having their teeth cleaned afterwords. 

How can you prevent tooth decay in children of young ages while teaching them how to properly care for their teeth and gums?

Daily Brushing

It is important to teach your children to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Shortly after they are born, start practicing proper brushing habits. There are finger toothbrushes you can use to scrub the gums and tongue of a baby. Once they start to form teeth, they will already know what it feels like to have a brush on the inside of their mouth. 

As they become older, show them how to hold their own toothbrush and how to move it around their mouth. All surfaces of the teeth need to be cleaned properly to prevent decay. It is smart to give toddlers an electric toothbrush at a young age, as it can help cover all surface areas of a tooth. It is important that they brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice per day, to prevent tooth decay.

Learning by Example

Children learn many of their habits by example. Let your kids see how you brush and floss your teeth. As they watch how you care for your teeth, it can help them to learn how to care for their own.

Some kids need more direct supervision in order to learn how to care for their teeth and gums. Take your children to a dental professional for more instruction, and if the child is already having health issues with his or her teeth, speak to the dentist about fluoride treatments. Fluoride is one of the best methods to help prevent tooth decay, and it helps permanent teeth form properly as they start growing in place of baby teeth. Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it helps fight gum disease and tooth decay. 

Healthy Habits

There are many concerns over childhood tooth decay related to improper eating habits, poor brushing technique, and a lack of flossing. Parents need to practice healthy oral health habits to demonstrate for their children the importance of a healthy mouth. 

It all starts with eating and drinking the right foods. Sugary drinks can rot teeth quickly, as can access to too much candy. It is important to give your children a healthy balance of foods to eat. Have your children eat plenty of vegetables; they're healthy, and veggies help cleanse teeth and gums as well. Remember to teach your children to always brush their teeth before bedtime to reduce the amount of bacteria in their mouth at night. Your healthy behavior will make an impression on your kids, and it will give them good habits to follow for the rest of their lives. 

This article was provided by Marty Chavez, engineer and proud father. If you're a parent looking for a more proactive approach to dental care for your children, Marty suggests visiting www.gittessbraces.com.