Dental tips for children’s oral health

Although oral disease is easy to prevent, there are still many children who have cavities. These children often experience pain, find it difficult to sleep, and sometimes undergo major dental treatment, such as tooth extraction under general anesthesia.

When a child has cavities at a much younger age, it can be assumed that they will also develop cavities when their permanent teeth develop. For this reason, it is crucial that children have good oral hygiene habits from a very young age.

Eat the right foods

Children should eat a variety of nutritious foods, especially in childhood when they are still in their developmental years. This is the time when their eating behavior is established. It is essential to encourage children to have healthy eating habits that can lead to good oral health and well-being.

Provide children with different nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, natural yogurt and meat.

• Refrain from giving them snacks between meals, since it is the most vulnerable age, when they could acquire cavities.

• Encourage them to drink plenty of water (from a minimum of 1 liter/day to a maximum of 2 liters/day), especially if you are in an area with fluoride, to protect teeth from decay.

• Do your best to reduce your child’s intake of sugary drinks such as sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices, and syrups, as these sweet drinks can cause cavities.

• Reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, especially between meals.

Brush your teeth properly.

Brushing your teeth with a proper technique is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Observing good oral hygiene at a very young age reduces the risk of getting gum disease at a later age. Teach them to brush their teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, as well as after meals.

• It is recommended that babies use a soft toothbrush and that children 18 months to 6 years use toothpaste (in a pea-sized amount) with less fluoride.

• Supervise your child (up to 7 years old) whenever they brush their teeth.

• Instead of rinsing out the toothpaste, encourage your child to spit it out.

Observe safety while playing

Whenever your child is playing contact sports like cricket, soccer, or hockey, when their mouth is most prone to injury, they should wear a mouth guard during games and training. A mouth guard is often worn when playing sports, while other activities also require a face shield or helmet.

Practice healthy habits at an early age

It would be beneficial for children to develop healthy habits at an early age. Habits like brushing their teeth regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and visiting the dentist regularly help them maintain good oral health. From the time your child’s first tooth erupts until he is 1 year old, he should have an oral health checkup. Based on a child’s oral health, the dentist/pediatrician will recommend when to visit the dental clinic.

• Whenever you have a dental problem, go immediately to the dentist to have it checked out.

• Make dental visits part of your child’s normal routine.

• Make an appointment with the dentist early in the day, when your child is not yet tired.