Sometimes parents find it difficult to teach proper dental care to their kids. However, it’s essential to make your kids realize the importance of dental care so they can avoid dental problems that may arise later in their life.

Besides providing proper dental care, it’s also important to impart good dental habits in the initial stages of your kid’s life. Following are some valuable tips on dental care for kids to help you on this topic.

• Be a good role model

Children commonly imitate those around them. You should, therefore, be a good role model and let them learn good oral hygiene practices from you. Brush and floss with your children. Don’t send them to the washroom on their own.

• Attend dental check-ups diligently

Be disciplined when it comes to keeping dental appointments. Be sure to visit the dentist every six months, and involve your kids.

By keeping your dental appointments, you make it a routine. Consequently, your kids will make it a ritual. It’s worth noting that your kids should have their first dental visit before their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

Afterward, they can attend dental check-ups twice a year.

• Teach your kids proper brushing techniques

Your children need to know how to brush properly early. This plays a significant role in their developing good oral health habits. It’s quite easy to explain how they should brush their teeth. Here are some simple steps to get you started on teaching your kids how to brush.

1. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums
2. Gently move the brush back and forth, in short strokes, over the front, back, and top of your teeth.
3. Avoid scrubbing hard along the gum line. Otherwise, you’ll irritate your gums.
4. Be sure to brush behind your top front teeth as well as behind your bottom front teeth.

You should realize that the area behind the front teeth is a favorite spot for tartar accumulation and needs special attention. To clean this area effectively, use the top bristles of your brush.

• Use the right type and amount of toothpaste

If your child is younger than two years old, use a small smear of toothpaste. If the child is older than two, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste would be sufficient. If the child can reliably rinse and spit when brushing, consider using a fluoride-based toothpaste.

Fluoride is essential for minimizing the risk of tooth decay. In the past, toothpaste wasn’t advised for children below two. As a result of the increasing levels of sugar in children’s diets, however, it is suggested that even children younger than two should use toothpaste.

• Limit the consumption of certain foods

Juices, candy, and sugary foods are notorious for eroding enamel and causing cavities. Whenever your children eat these foods, make sure they brush their teeth or rinse their mouth soon after to wash away the sugar.

Sweetened liquid medicines may also be harmful to your child’s teeth. Be sure your child brushes his teeth after taking such medicines.

• Get sufficient fluoride

 Regular use of fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel, ensuring acid can’t easily penetrate. While your child could be using fluoride-based toothpaste, that alone can’t protect a child’s teeth effectively. If your tap water is fluoridated, make sure your child drinks plenty of it.

If your water isn’t fluoridated, however, ask your family dentist to recommend the right fluoride supplements for your kids. It’s worth noting that excessive fluoride can cause teeth discoloration. Consult your dentist before giving your child fluoride supplements.

• Prevent cavities

Consult your family dentist on dental sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Dental sealants are effective in preventing food particles from getting trapped in the tiny grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces, and hence prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.

• Avoid sharing germs

Avoid sharing utensils, pacifiers, sippy cups, bottles, or similar items with your kids. Also, never allow them to share these items with others. You may end up passing the bacteria in your mouth to your children, and that’s not healthy. Always sanitize every item that may end up in your child’s mouth to prevent bacterial infections like thrush.

Conclusion

Maintaining your kid’s dental health is as important as maintaining your dental health. However, getting your child to uphold good dental hygiene and to appreciate the importance of keeping their teeth healthy can be an uphill task. With these eight dental care tips for your kids, however, you’ll have an easier time helping them maintain good dental health.