Did you know that a kid's oral health journey starts after they get their first tooth? While the baby teeth will only stay for a few years, they still require care and attention, just like the permanent teeth that grow later in their lives.
Whether your child has just had their first tooth or has a mouth full of baby teeth and some permanent teeth, it's crucial to prioritize their oral health. The goal is to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy as they develop. For this reason, below are tips to consider to support your little one's oral health journey.
Ensure They Get Regular Dental Checkups
Your child will need regular dental appointments just like an adult. This should start several months after the first tooth grows or by their first birthday. During the dental checkup, the dentist will monitor the kid's teeth and gum development and advise on the best oral hygiene and health practices for the kid. Also, you can discuss preventative treatments like dental sealants with your dentist. With this treatment, the back teeth's chewing surface is flattened, making it difficult for bacteria to accumulate.
Supervise Their Oral Hygiene Practices
One way to ensure your child has healthy teeth is to help them brush and floss as soon as they grow teeth. During this time, they will learn to maintain oral hygiene independently. However, the child's oral health will be affected if proper teeth-cleaning techniques aren't followed daily. So, teach your little one how to brush and floss properly and supervise them until they get it right.
Promote Healthy Eating
As kids grow, it is vital to ensure they adopt healthy eating practices. This will ensure that their bodies get adequate nutrients to facilitate their growth and improve their oral health. Therefore, start by helping your kids understand that sugary drinks and snacks can be harmful to their dental health. Then, encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables as they are rich in nutrients and good for the teeth. For instance, eating apples helps remove bacteria from the teeth. So, limit their candy intake and ensure the drinks or beverages they consume aren't loaded with sugar.
As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child's oral health. Therefore, consider the dentist's tips discussed above to ensure your child has proper dental health as they grow.
Reach out to a dentist in your area for more information.
