Tooth decay and other oral diseases are largely caused by not paying enough attention to oral health and taking too few steps to look after it. That’s why teaching children’s oral hygiene from an early age will spark their interest in looking after their teeth.
Why oral health matters
Oral hygiene should start before the first teeth even appear. Parents should establish good habits as early as possible so that their child gets used to them and learns to value caring for their mouth and teeth.
At first, care is as simple as cleaning the gums and first teeth with a special baby toothbrush. You should also make sure your baby gets the right amount of fluoride and that their doctor checks their mouth regularly.
Several dental problems can affect children, but the most common is tooth decay. It appears when the acids produced by bacteria building up in the mouth damage the tooth enamel.
According to scientific studies, 7 out of 10 children have had or currently have at least one cavity – an alarming figure that shows more needs to be done to prevent them.
If cavities aren’t prevented or treated in time, they cause pain and even infections, and can lead to tooth loss. If they appear in baby teeth and aren’t treated promptly, they may affect the development of the permanent teeth, so it’s worth knowing the dental treatments available for the whole family.
That’s why children should be taught how important oral hygiene is from a very young age: that way they’ll make it part of their daily routine and learn to look after their teeth from childhood.
How to teach children’s oral hygiene
Children need to be taught how to brush their teeth and helped to do so until they can manage on their own. Setting an example is key, so it’s a good idea to brush your teeth with them during the early years. There are also other aspects of oral hygiene worth paying attention to.
Oral hygiene in a baby’s first months
Some parents don’t bother cleaning their baby’s mouth until the first teeth come through. That’s a big mistake, because mouth care needs to begin before the teeth appear.
During the baby’s first 12 months, clean their gums with a gentle finger massage. To make it easier, you can use a cloth and plain water. As soon as the first tooth comes through, switch to a toothbrush designed specifically for babies.
From then on, children start getting used to having their teeth cleaned. From 12 months, teeth should be brushed twice a day, using water only. Later on, you can add a small amount of toothpaste.
Turn toothbrushing into a game
It’s true that some children find brushing harder to put up with than others. Teaching them is much easier if you make it a game.
For example, you could tell them that the toothbrush is going to help them find a hidden treasure in their mouth. That way they’ll be encouraged to check every tooth while they brush.
Another idea is to brush your own teeth in front of them, as they’ll always want to copy you. It’s also good to let them choose their own toothbrush and brush on their own if they want to – although, once they’ve finished, you should go over their teeth again to remove any plaque left behind.
Use the right amount of toothpaste
Toothpaste for children should contain fluoride. When the first tooth appears, ask your child’s doctor whether you should start brushing with toothpaste. From the age of 2, fluoride toothpaste is essential, although only a small amount should be used. If you’re unsure which one to choose, ask your dentist.
At 3 years old, the amount increases slightly. You should also teach them not to swallow the toothpaste, so they don’t take in too much fluoride.
Toothbrushing technique
Children should be taught the best way to brush their teeth. Whatever the movement, what matters is that they cover the whole mouth and clean every tooth for long enough, both on the outer and inner surfaces.
It’s normal for children to focus on their front teeth, as they’re the easiest to clean, so you’ll need to help them with the rest of the mouth and the tongue too. That’s why it’s recommended to supervise their brushing at least until they turn 6.
Visits to the dentist
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should ideally be before they turn 3, to check their oral health.
Your child’s doctor will recommend seeing a dentist if they notice any problem with how the teeth are developing, which in some cases can be corrected with interceptive orthodontics for children. Likewise, if a problem arises or a tooth breaks, for example, it’s best to see the dentist quickly to find a solution.
Recommendations
To prevent tooth decay and look after teeth properly, we recommend:
- Using a fluoride mouthwash and dental floss to complement brushing.
- Avoiding too much sugar.
- Offering fruit, vegetables and milk as snacks.
- Brushing the tongue properly.
- Asking the dentist whether your child is getting the right amount of fluoride.
- Choosing the most suitable toothbrush for your child.
- Brushing their teeth just before bedtime if your child drinks milk at night.
Finally, never skip regular dental check-ups: your dentist will give you advice on caring for their teeth, and they help children get used to visiting the clinic without associating it with anything negative. If you’d like us to check your children’s teeth, book an appointment at our clinic.
