Surprisingly, in the United States alone, 23% of children aged 2-5 years and 52% of children aged 6-8 years suffer from tooth decay or cavity problems. Infant dental care and early childhood oral health set the foundation for good oral health and hygiene for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. It’s important to establish good oral hygiene practices early on in life.
Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits Early On In Life
Though baby teeth are temporary, they’re crucial in development. Poor oral health during infancy and childhood leads to various problems, including improper dental alignment, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups and other necessary procedures right from childhood are vital to maintaining good oral health and hygiene for life.
Tips For Caring For Infant And Toddler Teeth
If parents and caregivers ensure good oral practices right from an early age by adopting preventative dentistry methods, they set a strong base for their child’s oral health and well-being that goes a long way into the future. Here are a few basic tips for caring for infant and toddler teeth.
Begin Early. Start cleaning your little one’s mouth even before the first tooth erupts. You can do this by using a damp, clean cloth to clean the gums or a soft toothbrush to eliminate bacteria.
Encourage Early Brushing. Introduce toothbrushing as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears at six months; ensure you use a toothbrush for infants.
Monitor Feeding. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when you breastfeed or put your baby to bed with a bottle. The sugars in milk cause tooth decay. Similarly, formula milk and juices also contribute to the decay of the left on teeth.
Introduce Healthy Eating Habits. Healthy eating habits include practices such as limiting extra sugar intake, especially sugary drinks, chocolates, and snacks and eating more nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Plan The First Dental Visit. Regular dental check-ups with your family dentist can detect potential issues early on. It’s best to plan your child’s first pediatric dental visit around six months to one year as soon as their first tooth erupts, as American Dental Association (ADA) suggested.
Use Proper Brushing Methods. Teach your child the right way to brush their teeth – in gentle circular motions, not too hard, cleaning all surfaces including front, back, and chewing surfaces.
The Importance Of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are the first (deciduous/primary teeth) that play a crucial role in a child’s oral health and development. Neglecting baby teeth lead to tooth decay, infection, and speech problems. Baby teeth are important because they play key roles in the development of:
- Chewing
- Speaking and
- Smiling
They’re also the placeholders for the permanent teeth helping the permanent teeth to align properly. Caring for baby teeth and using good oral hygiene practices combined with regular dental check-ups set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles and proper dental development.
5 Strategies For Promoting Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Some effective strategies for promoting good oral hygiene habits in young children are:
Making Brushing Fun
Children connect with fun methods such as using colorful toothbrushes, child-friendly toothpaste flavors, songs, and games or using brushing apps to make the whole brushing process more fun.
Establishing A Routine
Brushing twice a day at set times, creating a schedule, and sticking by it are the best way to teach your children the importance of brushing their teeth to main good oral hygiene.
Leading By Example
If you lead by example by brushing your teeth with your child, they’ll automatically choose to follow the routine.
Educating Young Children About Healthy Eating Habits
If your children understand how certain foods affect their oral health, they’ll be encouraged to adopt healthy choices. Teach them about balanced foods, healthy snacks, and avoiding sugary treats and drinks.
Reward And Praise
Compliment your children on their efforts and commitments to maintain good oral hygiene and encourage them to continue to do better. Using small rewards, charts, and stickers to acknowledge and motivate them can help.
Conclusion
Find your dentist at Libertyville at Panacea Dental, which offers personalized dental care you can trust. With a dedicated team specialized in pediatric dentistry, children’s dentistry, family dentistry, general dentistry, as well as restorative procedures like teeth straightening and other cosmetic and sophisticated dentistry practices, Panacea Dental is equipped with the latest technology in dentistry, offering a patient-centered dental experience be it for toddlers, young children or adults. Get in touch or schedule an appointment for your community’s most pleasant and relaxing dental experience.
