According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, early childhood cavities is the number one chronic disease affecting young children. When it comes to kids' oral health, parents should make oral hygiene a priority even before their child’s first tooth emerges. But they’re going to lose those baby teeth anyway, right?Not so fast! Believe it or not, decayed and damaged baby teeth can negatively affect future permanent teeth.
If you’re wondering how soon you should start your child’s oral hygiene routine, the answer is during infancy. It’s recommended to wipe baby’s gums with a washcloth or use a soft infant toothbrush (sans toothpaste). This might even feel good for a teething baby! Another HUGE recommendation is to avoid sending baby to bed with a bottle. You’ve likely heard the term “bottle rot” or baby bottle decay. This happens when sugars from milk, formula, juice, etc. cling to the child’s teeth and cause decay, which can potentially rot the teeth. Not a pretty sight!
When your child turns one, it’s a good idea to schedule the first dental visit. Regardless of how many teeth they have, this is more of a preliminary visit to get the child comfortable with the dental office atmosphere and meet the doctor and staff. It usually consists of a quick peak in the mouth with recommendations for a follow-up visit. Your child will be doted on and might even leave with a balloon or cool toy!
Once your toddler has a mouthful of teeth, the real deal begins. He or she will be capable of learning the importance of oral health. Here are some tips and tricks for teaching good oral hygiene habits.
Be a role model: Kids learn best by example, so set a good one! Show them the proper technique of brushing and flossing. Don’t forget to make the whole routine fun and something that you do together. You can even make up a silly brushing song and dance.
Choose cool tools: Let your child choose a fun toothbrush with his or her favorite cartoon character. Pair it with a fun-flavored, kid-approved toothpaste like bubblegum. Make sure it’s a toothpaste designed especially for children. Young toddlers should start with a training toothpaste, which usually contains little or no fluoride.
Introduce the tooth fairy: If the teeth begin wiggling, it’s time for the tooth fairy talk. Explain to your child the excitement of losing a tooth and getting a present from the tooth fairy. This is a very magical part of childhood.
Make a sticker chart: Kids love stickers, and it’s a fun way to track their oral hygiene progress. Create a sticker chart where they can receive stars or whatnot every time they brush and floss. Maybe a certain amount can lead to a prize of some sort!
Supervise brushing: Don’t assume that your child will be capable of brushing and flossing solo from the get-go. You can let them practice but be sure to do a once over to make sure the job is complete. It’s recommended to assist kids with brushing and flossing until the age of 6 or 7.
Teach the basics: You don’t need to go in-depth about fillings or root canals but explaining the basics of what a cavity is and how it happens will teach kids the importance of taking good care of their mouth. Keep it simple and to the point.
Use books and videos: Reading books and watching videos about oral health is a great way for kids to learn. If they see their favorite characters brushing and flossing, it’s only going to make them want to do it too!
Practicing good oral hygiene habits beginning in infancy will set your child up for success. Certain dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, and orthodontics can also benefit your child’s oral health. Always consult with your child’s dentist about any treatments.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding children’s dentistry, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.