Build Strong Oral Health in Your Kids with At-home Dental Care
Your child becomes vulnerable to tooth decay immediately after the first tooth erupts. Tooth decay in children is common, with nearly 37% of children aged between two and eight experiencing tooth decay in their primary teeth. The good news is that tooth decay and other oral issues in children are preventable with at-home dental care.
Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, Colorado, understands the importance of at-home dental care in children’s oral health. Keep reading to learn how you can help your child maintain their teeth and gums at home.
How should I care for my newborn’s mouth?
Caring for your baby’s mouth starts from the moment they are born. Even before the first tooth develops, clean your baby’s gums with a damp cloth after feeding and before bedtime. Milk or formula left in the mouth can encourage harmful bacteria to grow.
Start brushing your baby’s tooth as soon as the first tooth appears. Even if it’s barely peeking through the gums, this tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Brush your child’s tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Contact our office to determine when using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste will be suitable.
Wean your child off bottle feeding by year one to prevent jaw misalignment caused by excessive sucking. Also, discourage your child’s use of pacifiers, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting, as they can affect the healthy development of teeth and jaws. Avoid giving your child a bottle of milk or sweetened juice before naptime.
What are the at-home dental care practices for children?
When your child is old enough, you’ll guide them to observe the following tips for healthy teeth and gums.
- Diligent brushing: Ensure your child brushes at least two times daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure they use a small amount of toothpaste and that they don’t swallow it. Teach your child proper brushing techniques, ensuring they reach every corner of the mouth. Encourage your child to take ownership of their oral health by making dental care a fun and positive experience.
- Flossing: Flossing removes food debris and harmful bacteria in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Ensure your child guides the dental floss gently between teeth up to the gum line area. Your child should floss at least once daily, especially before bedtime.
- Healthy dietary choices: Children and their love for candies, chocolates, soda, and other sugary treats are inseparable. Eating too much sugar is bad for your child’s oral and overall health. While you can’t entirely keep sugary foods from children, limit their intake. You can introduce them to healthy snacks like fruits, plain yogurt, cheese and nuts. Overall, educate your children on the health consequences of poor dietary choices.
- Discourage poor oral habits: To deter detrimental oral habits, such as thumb or finger sucking, it’s essential to intervene as these behaviors can lead to orthodontic issues. Likewise, if your child has a habit of using their teeth to bite hard objects or trim fingernails, encourage them to cease these actions to prevent tooth damage.
At-home dental care prevents decay, infections, damage, bad breath, and other oral health issues. Starting oral hygiene at a tender age yields lifelong benefits that pay off later in life.
Ready to protect your child’s smile at home?
Dr. Sean Vostatek loves to see children flash healthy, beautiful smiles. One way this milestone is possible is by emphasizing at-home dental care. Call (719) 249-2030 to learn how you can help maintain your child’s health at home. Together, we can help your child achieve and maintain a bright, confident smile for years to come.
