26 Apr Tips for Teaching Your Child About Proper Oral Hygiene
Even though tooth decay is preventable with good oral hygiene, it is a growing problem among children between the ages of six and 19. In fact, according to WebMD, more than 40% of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten. As a parent, you can help your child avoid becoming a part of this statistic by teaching him or her about oral hygiene at an early age.
Start brushing early
Even before your baby’s teeth begin to grow, you can use a baby toothbrush to gently brush his or her gums. You can also effectively clean the gums with a soft washcloth. Once the teeth do appear, you should start brushing the teeth twice each day with an infant brush and fluoridated toothpaste. When two teeth begin to touch each other, you can start using floss. It’s especially important to start brushing and flossing right before bedtime, so that your child doesn’t eat or drinking anything besides water until morning.
Limit sugary liquids
Putting your baby or child down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula, or milk can actually lead to tooth decay. As your child naps, the sugary liquids can cling to his or her teeth, which will feed mouth bacteria responsible for tooth decay. If you need to give your child a bottle for him or her to go to bed, stick with water.
Be firm on oral hygiene
When your child is around two or three, you can help him or her begin to brush his or her own teeth. One way to encourage your child to brush is by allowing him or her to take an active role in his or her oral hygiene. This means taking your child shopping and letting him or her pick out the brush and toothpaste.
At John Carson DDS, our Tucson dental team is dedicated to building a strong, lasting relationship with our clients. We provide advanced, comprehensive dental care, including dental crowns and root canals in Tucson. Call (520) 514-7203 to learn more about our range of services.