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Helping Your Kids Maintain Clean and Healthy Teeth

Healthy teeth are vital for your child’s overall health. When you teach your child strong oral care habits as they grow, it’s more likely to stick with them even when they are older. You can prevent tooth cavities and decay by beginning to care for your child’s teeth early. Here are some ways to maintain your kid’s healthy smile when helping your kids maintain clean and healthy teeth.

The number one dental issue among young children is tooth decay. Many children have cavities in their baby teeth, which multiple factors can cause. Although you may think these cavities are not as serious as they are on non-permanent teeth, this is untrue. Dental decay in your child’s teeth can negatively affect the development of their permanent teeth, leading to even more dental issues. Moreover, poor oral care could result in infections and diseases.

 

happy child girl smiling in bed

1. Go for checkups

According to Flagstaff pediatric dentist Bryan Shanahan from Peak Family Dental, it is best to take your baby to their first dentist appointment once they celebrate their first birthday. Early preventative care will save you substantial money in the long run. A CDC report indicates that oral care costs are almost 40% lower, over a span of five years, for children who see their dentist by the age of five.

 2. Keep ‘baby bottle decay’ at bay

When putting your infant or child to sleep, ensure that you remove their bottle of milk, formula, or juice from their mouth. If you don’t, sugary liquids will cling to their teeth, thus feeding bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay. If you have to give your baby a bottle when they are about to nap, ensure that it only contains water.

3. Teach them good oral habits

Brushing is vital even when your child is young. Before they grow some teeth, you can gently brush their gums using a soft washcloth. Once they appear, you can begin to brush them twice daily using a baby toothbrush and infant toothpaste. Be sure to do this gently as their teeth and gums are very sensitive. When they reach two or if their teeth start touching each other, start flossing. If you are not sure of how to go about it, consult your dentist.

Additionally, when brushing their teeth before bedtime, refrain from giving your kid any drinks and foods until morning. The only exception to this rule is water.

4. Stop using the pacifier once they reach 2 or 3

There are several benefits of your infant using a pacifier. However, using it can interfere with their teeth lining up in the long run. Additionally, it can alter the shape of their mouth. Therefore, you should stop giving your child a pacifier by the time they are two to three years old.

5. Be firm about brushing and rinsing

If your kid throws a tantrum when it’s time for brushing, flossing, or rinsing, don’t let them off the hook. Ensure that they understand that brushing is essential and that there isn’t any other option. Children can begin brushing their own teeth with supervision once they are around three. They might be able to brush their teeth at about six years thoroughly.

Following these five tips will help your child maintain healthy, clean teeth.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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