Keeping the teeth of your kids in good condition may prove to be quite a challenge, particularly because of various factors that you need to consider.
One of these is that as kids, they may not take dental hygiene quite seriously yet. Another is that as kids, they may indulge in foods that prove to be disadvantageous when it comes to overall dental health.
Fortunately, there are ways on how you can help your kids keep their teeth in good condition and some of these are listed below.
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Practice Good Oral Habits as Early as Possible
One of the primary ways for you to help your kids keep their teeth in good condition is by practicing good oral habits as early as possible.
This means introducing the idea of brushing even to babies and most especially to toddlers sprouting their first tooth.
Fortunately, there are now toothbrushes that are designed for babies, toddlers, and kids, and most of these are made with ultra-soft bristles that will not hurt their gums.
As much as possible, make it a habit to brush your kids’ teeth at least twice a day.
For babies though, you only need to wet a silicone brush with water since they are still incapable of spitting out toothpaste.
Nevertheless, you can still use toothpaste to introduce them to proper brushing but it is better if you go for fluoride-free ones particularly for young ones under two years of age.
You can also teach your preschoolers to floss properly, which is also essential apart from proper brushing.
In this way, any food stuck in between their teeth are taken out, which reduces the chances of your kids getting any cavities.
When your kids learn the importance of good oral hygiene early on, they will develop a good dental habit that will foster strong teeth and gums as they grow into adulthood.
There is also the option for you to let your kids watch programs that center on tooth brushing, as well as good oral hygiene.
These positive examples prove to be a great motivator for kids to maintain their dental hygiene.
In this case, you can look into YouTube videos for your kids’ favorite cartoons brushing their teeth. You can even read them stories about proper brushing and oral health.
This is one of the great ways to remind your kids to practice good oral habits as early as possible.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Another way to help your kids keep their teeth in good condition is by visiting your dentist regularly.
In this case, the dentist will be able to promptly address any dental issues that your kids may face such as cavities, as well as teeth or bite alignment.
When it comes to the latter, there are several online sources that you can refer to in case you want to read more about this dental condition for children.
Rest assured that your kids’ dentist will be able to discuss and answer any questions you may have.
When you visit your dentist regularly, your kids will see them as allies that will help them keep their teeth and mouth healthy.
Thus, you won’t have any problem having to get them to sit on the dentist chair for a check-up or cleaning, or in instances that call for it, even a tooth extraction.
Kids who are not afraid of a visit to the dentist are more likely to have great pearly whites compared to those who skip dental check-ups.
Make Sure That Your Kids Get Sufficient Fluoride
As soon as your kids learn how to spit when they brush their teeth, you must already introduce them to fluoride-rich toothpaste.
Some kids as young as three years old can already handle toothpaste with fluoride. You only need to control the amount that they use when they brush.
Fluoride is important in keeping teeth strong and healthy, as well as protecting them from cavities.
This is the reason why you need to ensure that your kids get sufficient fluoride when they brush their teeth.
You also have the option of brushing your kids’ teeth first, before you allow them to brush their teeth on their own.
In this case, you are sure that you don’t miss out on any tooth that is not properly and thoroughly cleaned.
Another way to show your kids how to clean their teeth properly is by brushing your teeth together. In this way, you will be able to show them how it’s done, while still making them feel capable and independent.
Limit Certain Foods That Foster Cavities
Kids will always be kids and sometimes, it can be quite difficult to restrict them from eating certain foods that cause cavities such as sweets.
While you will not be able to totally avoid giving your kids cakes, candies, and ice cream, you should limit serving them these sweets, not only to keep their teeth strong and healthy but for their overall health as well.
Try to look for alternative food that your kids will find enjoyable instead such as fruits. However, certain fruits prove to be sweet, which means that you also need to serve them moderately.
Sometimes, the key is in making your kids drink plenty of water. In this way, the sweets don’t end up sticking on their teeth.
Thus, rather than giving them carbonated beverages as well as flavored juices, teach them to drink lots of water instead.
Not only is this habit good for their oral hygiene, but it is also beneficial for their overall health and fitness.
Teach your kids to practice good oral habits as early as possible because, in this way, it is most likely that they will keep their teeth in good condition.
You should also visit their dentist regularly and make sure that they get sufficient fluoride.
It will also help if you encourage them to lean towards foods that won’t cause cavities.
All these are geared towards ensuring that your kids' teeth are kept in good condition and that their oral health is at its best.