It's essential that we keep our teeth healthy as they don't grow, regenerate or repair themselves like our body’s organs. Good oral hygiene shouldn't start as adults when our teeth and gums have already suffered irreparable damage. Developing good oral hygiene habits should begin early. Helping your children cultivate these habits from a young age will give them the best foundation to continue having healthy teeth throughout their lives. We have compiled some of our top tips for when to begin your kid's oral hygiene journey and how to improve the health of their teeth.
Oral Hygiene Begins Early
Many people don't realise that you don't need to wait until your baby has teeth to begin oral hygiene. While your little one is growing, it's good to clean their gums and any newly erupted teeth gently after every feeding; this will prevent the build-up of sugars and bacteria in their mouths which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Use a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad to clean their gums and any teeth they have, using a slow, gentle wiping motion as you clean; be careful not to scrub as this can be painful and damage their delicate gums.
Careful Brushing
When your child's teeth do come in, start gently brushing them with a baby toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste; these toothbrushes have small soft bristles that won't irritate or hurt your baby's mouth. Remember to be gentle as you brush, being careful not to put too much pressure on the teeth or aggravate the gums. A light motion will be perfect and enough to clean their teeth without making them hate the experience.
Teach As They Grow
Eventually, your child will need to learn how to brush their own teeth, and many people recommend starting as young as three. Use a brush with soft bristles appropriate for their age and a small amount of toothpaste, then demonstrate how to do it in front of a mirror before having them repeat it themselves. Practice the correct technique as they age, as they will use this for the rest of their life. Over time their hand dexterity will improve, and you can begin to introduce other oral hygiene steps such as flossing or mouthwash.
Local Dentist Specialising In Children's Teeth
Dentists visits should start early for your children, with many dentists recommending you begin visits from their first birthday, but finding the right dentist for your child can be a daunting task, especially for new parents. Suppose you live in London, for example, and looking for a children's dentist in Fulham. In that case, you will want to look into a practice that specialises in children's dental services, such as those which will give your child the best experience to avoid them developing any fears directed towards visits to the dentist are common among many children in the UK. To find out more about dentists like these, head to fulhamroaddental.com.
Once you have found the right dentist, they will help you teach your children the proper oral hygiene habits as well as providing plenty of advice for your to use at home.