Kids Dental Health Starts With Routines
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When it comes to kids dental health, the news is not good. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 percent of kids aged two to 19 years have cavities that have not been treated. Also, over 50 million school hours are lost every year because of dental problems. So are you teaching your kid the best dental health habits? Parents always want the best for their kids, but they can neglect to teach and enforce the right dental hygiene routines.
The things children learn about brushing and flossing today will stick with them for a lifetime, setting them up for good dental health as adults. Instilling the right habits with your kids early on will stop them from dreading dentist visits later on. If you can make a home environment that includes healthy hygiene examples for your kids, you are almost assured that their future dental visits will be painless and stress-free.
What If My Kid Doesn’t Brush Their Teeth?
Many people are not aware that the health of their teeth and gums has a direct and lasting effect on their overall health. For instance, poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. And gum disease can increase a person’s risk for diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Apart from these long-term effects, poor dental hygiene can also drain the family budget. Cavities lead to costly procedures just to restore the tooth’s health.
Fortunately, fluoridated toothpastes and modern dental treatments are now available so people can take better care of their teeth. Pediatric dentists now use sealants that serve to protect the new teeth of children, and regular cleanings can help combat cavities. If you have any concerns about teaching dental hygiene to toddlers, ask your hygienist or dentist to teach them the proper techniques of brushing and flossing.
Starting Dental Care Early with Baby Teeth
Parents mostly ask dentists when regular tooth brushing should start. It might be hard, but it is recommended that parents start as soon as the baby’s teeth become visible. Because baby teeth begin erupting through the gums when the child is about four months old. At these early sessions, use a washcloth first before switching to a small toothbrush. Toothpaste is not necessary for babies, but kids should start with a small amount when they reach age two or three.
One of the best ways for you to prevent tooth decay in kids is to get them enthusiastic about taking care of their teeth. Tooth brushing and flossing might not be a favorite thing to do for kids, but you can make it fun by choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste that your child wants to use. As parents, if you continually reinforce good dental hygiene at home, children will more likely practice these habits for a lifetime.
Children who started brushing their teeth since they were babies have a higher chance of understanding the importance of this as they grow up and develop permanent teeth. Keep in mind that smart dental habits established at a young age sets the stage for lifelong healthy habits. If you have any questions about dental hygiene for kids, contact your Pediatric dentist in Ewing Township.