What a lot of new parents don’t realise is that children’s dental care starts well before any baby teeth come through, and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth growth and development.
This blog post serves as a parent’s simple guide to children’s dental care, helping you to keep your little one’s teeth healthy throughout their childhood and build a good oral hygiene routine for them to take forward into their adult life.
A good oral care routine begins by brushing an infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth twice a day before any teeth develop. Once teeth appear, teeth should be cleaned twice daily with a grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Starting at age two, children’s teeth should be flossed once a day to remove food particles from between the teeth, which can lead to cavities. For children aged three and older, it’s recommended to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Up until now, you have taught your children the elements of a good oral care routine by brushing and flossing their teeth for them. However, it’s critical that you teach them how to maintain this routine independently to ensure good oral hygiene in the future.
When a child is two or three years old, you can begin letting them begin brushing their own teeth to help them develop the skill. Make sure you finish brushing their teeth after they have had a go to make sure their teeth have been thoroughly cleaned.
By the age of eight, children should have developed the fine motor skills required to effectively clean their teeth independently. However, it’s recommended to continue supervising your child while they brush their teeth to ensure they are brushing properly and for the correct amount of time.
Diet is another crucial element in maintaining teeth and gum health. Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is caused by certain bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and refined carbohydrates to make acid. These acids then break down enamel and cause the tooth to rot. To prevent tooth decay in children, avoid a diet high in sugary foods and drinks and opt for a healthy, balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.
At Riyo Dental, we’re a trusted dental clinic offering comprehensive general dentistry services for children and adults. As a leading private dentist, we’re committed to providing personalised care in a comfortable and friendly environment.
Our dental clinic offers a wide range of general dentistry services, ensuring that every member of your family receives the highest quality care. Our friendly dentists can help your children develop good brushing and oral care habits that promote healthy teeth and gums and reduce the risk of developing oral health issues. Contact us today and choose Riyo Dental as your private dentist for exceptional dental care.
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