By Introduction
According to Iqaluit Dental Clinic, children are at risk for tooth decay if they don’t follow the proper brushing routine and consume sugary foods and drinks. Tooth decay can cause your child severe toothache, create problems for adult teeth, make it difficult for them to chew food properly, and even lead to embarrassment. Thus, as parents, it is your duty to take care of the oral health of your child and ensure they follow proper dental hygiene.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips you can follow to keep your children’s teeth healthy:
- Teach them proper brushing habits – It is crucial to teach your kids proper brushing habits to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. When their first baby teeth start to emerge, clean them regularly with a clean cloth and water after feeding, especially before bedtime.
From age 2-3 onwards, you can brush your child’s teeth using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. You can consult your dentist to learn when it is appropriate to start using fluoride toothpaste. From age 7-8 onwards, you can teach them to brush their own teeth at least for two minutes each session. Ensure they don’t swallow the toothpaste and spit it out properly.
You can make brushing more fun by letting them choose the colour of the toothbrush or singing with them when brushing.
- Ensure they consume healthy food and drinks – Your child must consume healthy food such as green vegetables, whole grains, fruits, beans, lean meats, and more to keep healthy and strong. It is especially important to ensure they consume milk, yoghurt, cheese, and other products that are rich sources of calcium to maintain strong teeth.
Ensure they don’t consume sugary products and drinks such as candies and soft drinks since they can lead to tooth cavities. Tap water is the best drink between meals. With meals, juice and milk are perfect.
- Take them for periodic dental check-ups – You should take your child for their first dentist visit when they reach age 1. Ensure you be as encouraging as possible and choose a dentist who is good with kids since it can be a scary experience for a child. A reputed dentist will thoroughly examine the oral health of your child and offer you advice on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy and prevent any dental issues in the future.
After the first visit, ensure you consult with the dentists to set up a schedule for periodic dental checkups.
- Ensure they receive enough fluoride – Fluoride is an important mineral that helps to keep teeth strong and healthy. Thus, it is important to ensure your kid receives enough fluoride. You can ensure that by using fluoride toothpaste instead of regular ones. Also, check if there is enough fluoride added to the drinking water in your home.
Conclusion
Iqaluit Dental Clinic suggests you ask your dentist for a fluoride varnish for your child when their first tooth comes out. Fluoride varnish is a thin coating of fluoride on the teeth that helps to prevent tooth decay.
