Oral hygiene for children.

Good oral hygiene is not only about clean teeth and fresh breath; it is the first step to maintain good overall health. People with poor oral hygiene are more likely to have an increased risk of developing various diseases. Your digestive process starts when you chew your food, for good digestion, you need durable teeth. Proper oral hygiene helps in maintaining the durability of your teeth and keeps you away from risk to damage various other body organs by infections of mouth.

Teaching your children good oral hygiene habits at early age will pay them lifelong profits, save them from various diseases and they will be able to keep their teeth stronger until their old age. Oral hygiene means keeping your mouth, gums and teeth healthy and clean and yes, it requires more than brushing in the morning. Children don’t know how to brush, or the consequences of not doing it correctly. Parents need to supervise their children while brushing until the age of 10.

Oral hygiene for infants.

Good oral hygiene should start even before the milk teeth come out. Wipe the gums off after each feeding session, Take a clean wet cloth wrap it around your finger and slowly clean the baby’s gums. After your children are three years old and all their 20 milk teeth have arrived, get in to a complete oral hygiene schedule and training.

Oral hygiene steps for young children.

Below are some simple steps you should keep in mind to help protect your children’s gums and teeth.

  • Brushing

Make them brush their teeth at least twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from the teeth. Brush gently back and forth inside or teeth, chewing area, front teeth, tongue and outer gum line. Use small size brush with soft bristles for children and  take care that your they don’t swallow the toothpaste.

  • Floss

Teach your children how to floss; it helps in removing the plaque between the teeth before it hardens and turns in to tartar i.e. is very difficult to remove. You should floss for your children after they complete 3 years of age.

  • Stay away from sugary and starchy food

Keep them away from sugary and starchy food, the plaque acids produced by them are the main reason of tooth decay. Eat sugary and starchy food between the meals along with other food so the saliva made during the meal can help rinsing the mouth. Frequent snacking of foods and snacks like cookies, candies, dried fruit, soft drinks, and potato chips results in plaque, cavities and finally tooth decay. Make your children brush their teeth after such snacks or do tight gargle.

  • Fluoridated dental products

Use dental products that contain fluoride. Fluoridated dental products include toothpastes, mouth rinses, fluoride gels, fluoride varnishes, and fluoride supplements. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, which combines with the tooth’s enamel to strengthen it. It is one of the best and natural ways to prevent against tooth decay. Identify that the water supply at your home contains fluoride; if not, discuss other supplements for fluoride with your dentist.

  • Water

Cavities are formed when food particles mixes with saliva and remain in the mouth, around the gums and teeth for a longer period of time. Encourage children to drink more water throughout the day to help neutralize the acids that cause cavities. Gargling after every meal with water will also help in removing the food particles stuck in the teeth.

  • Make the process fun

Make oral hygiene fun by letting your children choose their toothbrush and toothpaste in their favourite colour, character, or flavour.

Role of dentist in your children’s oral hygiene.

Dentist has a major role to play in your children’s oral care, so establish a good relationship with your children’s dentist. Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups, at least once every six months. A dentist can spot problem areas which we cannot and treat the issues accordingly. Choose a paediatric dentist, as they understand children’s oral development more. Your children’s dentist can guide you with the cleaning techniques for keeping your children’s teeth cavity-free, as well as answer any questions concerning their oral health.  Never delay visiting dentist in case of any problem. At an early age when the children are in the midst of tremendous dental growth, ignoring dental problems even for a month can affect your children’s teeth very badly.

If your Child Chips, Breaks or Knocks Out a Tooth or is experiencing pain, you should contact your dentist immediately. The dentist will want to examine the affected area and determine appropriate treatment. If a tooth is completely broken from the root and out of the mouth by an injury, take the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible. Try not to touch the tooth, don’t wipe or clean it. Store the broken tooth in a small box filled with water or milk and take it to your dentist. Re-implantation of the same tooth is possible in some cases.

Ask your dentist if your children are eligible for the sealant application. Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied on the chewing surfaces of your children’s teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Sometimes your children’s joy is the reason for their smile; teach them proper oral hygiene so that their smile can be the reason for their joy.