Good dental care starts even before your child’s first tooth erupts. In fact, infants possess a full set of fully formed teeth beneath the surface of their gums.
Once the teeth begin to erupt into the mouth, you can introduce a baby-friendly toothpaste and begin brushing your child’s teeth twice daily.
While your child’s first set of teeth will eventually fall out, it is important to establish good daily habits and keep on top of bacteria as it forms.
According to an article in the American Journal of Dentistry, tooth decay in children is declining due to innovations in modern dental care.
However, according to the study, it is still the most common chronic disease in children. Developing a healthy and consistent dental health regimen with your child can eliminate the potential for tooth decay and leave your child feeling confident about their smile.
1. Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay is brought on by sugary or acidic conditions in the mouth.
According to a study by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children under the age of 11 have cavities.
You can help your children defend themselves from dental decay by establishing a healthy at-home oral hygiene routine, by investing in reoccurring fluoride treatments, and by visiting a dental professional for regular cleanings and exams.
2. Know What Causes Cavities
Cavities are formed when plaque is left for extended periods on the surface of the teeth. When this happens, bacteria in the mouth begin to eat away at the plaque. This produces a corrosive acid that can quickly wear away at the surface of a tooth.
When untreated, these holes provide a gateway to the inner layers of a tooth. Once bacteria finds its way in, it can destroy a tooth and cause painful abscesses.
3. Oral Hygiene for Kids
Good oral hygiene starts young and is positively enforced by parents and caregivers. While baby teeth will eventually be replaced by more durable permanent teeth, it is still important you care for them. After all, they are the building blocks of oral health.
4. Step-by-step Guide to Flossing With Braces
Flossing with braces can be confusing! The following step-by-step guide offers frustration-free flossing tips for parents and children alike.
It is important to note that flossing with braces will take a considerable amount of time. This is because the floss must be woven in and out of each set of teeth. Establish a set time to floss each night and maintain this schedule.
- Gather your supplies. A basic wax dental floss will work fine. Cut off a one-foot portion of floss and get ready to floss!
- Carefully thread the floss over the metal wire of the braces. Pull the floss so that you can gather some in each of your hands.
- Pull the floss up to the gum line and slowly slide it up and down against each tooth to remove stubborn plaque. Then, pull the floss back down under the wire.
- Remove the thread and repeat this action between each set of teeth until the entire mouth is clean. Repeat daily.
Flossing with braces can be time-consuming. However, all that hard work will pay off when the braces come off and a sparkly, straight smile is revealed.
5. Healthy Snacks for Kids on the Go
While parents often focus on oral hygiene when it comes to preserving their children’s teeth, a healthy, vitamin-rich diet is just as important.
Avoid sugary foods and carbonated drinks that can quickly eat away at the surface of the teeth.
1. Cheese
A study by the Dows Institute for Dental Research revealed that processed cheese promotes remineralization and prevents demineralization of tooth enamel. Other processed dairy products, such as yogurt and milk, provide the same benefits.
2. Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews, contain high levels of calcium. According to the Journal of Periodontology, calcium helps to moderate periodontal disease by strengthening the jaw and teeth. They are also extremely filling and are a great alternative to sugary granola bars.
3. Greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach, arugula, and kale, are calcium-rich foods that are great for your teeth. Like nuts and cheese, they are also low in sugar. If your child isn’t keen on salads, try mixing them into a yogurt-based smoothie for a healthy, tropical treat.
6. Using Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is used to protect the teeth from premature decay. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, fluoride treatments can prevent one-third of tooth decay in children’s teeth.
Fluoride toothpaste is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. The CDC recommends that children two and older use fluoride toothpaste daily.
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7. Maintaining Your Child’s Smile
It is important that children establish exceptional oral hygiene at a young age. After all, a child’s primary teeth will provide the building blocks to a healthy diet, proper speech development, and even positive self-esteem.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the age of one.
Teach your children the importance of caring for their teeth. Provide them with the essential tools to maintain their smile.
Invest in quality, fluoride-infused dental products, such as Oxyfresh’s Cavity Fighting Kit. You won’t regret it!
