Kids Teeth Care

When kids are babies, we brush and care for their teeth for them. As they get older and can hold and manage a toothbrush, we pass off they toothbrush and start showing them how to brush on their own.

Even though we allow them to brush, they still need supervision to make sure they are brushing teeth properly. We should also brush with them and lead by example.

Flossing is also an important part of dental hygiene. Flossing helps clean between the teeth to remove bacteria and plaque that brushing alone can’t do. Just like brushing, in the beginning we will floss kids’ teeth and eventually hand this task over to them, again with supervision.

Home Remedies for Kids Dental Health

It’s important that we start them young to establish good oral hygiene. Around the age of three, if your child can manage, we can start supervising kids to brush and floss on their own.

What else can we do to promote healthy dental hygiene for kids?

Regular Dental Checkups

It is recommended that your child’s first trip to the dentist should happen at least by the age of 12 months. And just like adults, you should plan their visit back to the dentist every six months. Your dentist can also apply fluoride to teeth to help prevent cavities.

Sealants

A sealant is a protective coating that can be applied to the surface of back teeth where most of the chewing happens. It can help protect the teeth from bacteria, decay and cavities. A sealant can last several years but should not replace regular brushing and flossing. Talk to your dentist if this is an option you are interested in.

Brushing and Flossing at Home

When kids are younger and haven’t quit mastered spitting, use only a dab of toothpaste on the brush as you don’t want them to swallow a bunch of toothpaste. As they get older and can start spitting, increase the amount of toothpaste. Talk to your dentist to see when you should start using a fluoride toothpaste.

When kids’ teeth are touching, this is the time to start flossing. Flossing will help remove food and prevent tartar that can get in between teeth. Adults should floss for kids until they can manage the task on their own.

There are a good variety of flavored toothpastes and flossers to help, especially if you have a child that is a little reluctant.

Limit Foods That Can Cause Tooth Decay

Sugary drinks, sticky and sugary candies, sticky foods other than candy, potato chips and the like should be limited or avoided if you can.

Look to other foods and snacks that can be just as fun to eat. Instead of:

  • Regular white bread, try whole wheat.
  • Ice cream, try yogurt.
  • Sugary drinks, try water, milk or 100 percent fruit juice with no added sugars.
  • Sugary candy, try apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables.

Good dental hygiene, when start young, regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent cavities and unwanted dental work.