Commenting on how experience warps perception, the Germanic literary giant and all round genius that is Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe suggested that “One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste.” What he forgot to mention is that these children also ought to brush their teeth afterwards.
Why is a child’s oral health important?
Prevention is better than cure, and establishing core dental habits in a child can prevent a myriad of dental problems that could occur in their adult life. Milk teeth are not a trial run either, damaged milk teeth not only alter how permanent teeth are aligned, but can also affect the growth and formation of a child’s face!
Cleaning a baby’s teeth
A baby starts developing its teeth in the womb and it is crucial you take care of them the moment they emerge. A small blob of children’s toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush (which have smaller heads and gentler brushes than standard toothbrushes) is what will be required to clean a baby’s teeth. A simple method for cleaning is to sit the child on your knee, have their head resting against your chest, and then to brush their teeth in tiny circles. Make sure you have a dentist examine your child’s teeth once they appear.
Cleaning children’s teeth
Chances are you’ll still be brushing a child’s teeth until they are seven. Brushing at least twice a day for two minutes is really the cornerstone of oral healthcare, and turning this into a regular habit can be helpful. Try brushing them once after breakfast and again before bed. This should make things easier for when they transition into brushing for themselves!
Set a good example
If you take care of your teeth, it tells your child that oral health is something to be valued. Carl Jung notes that “children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk,” so bear that in mind and hold yourself to the same standards you want your child to uphold.
It is important that we get our children into a regular oral hygiene routine from a young age. Educating children on the importance of looking after their teeth is also vital for the continued health of their teeth and gums. This can be done both at home, at school and by our dental team. When the milk teeth start to come through your child can begin to brush twice a day. Looking after milk teeth is essential for the adult teeth to come through correctly in a healthy condition. Make sure that any sweet items that contain sugar are treats and should be consumed in one go rather than through the day, as this will affect their teeth more than just one sugar eating period after a meal. We always make sure that your child’s experience is a positive, fun and educational experience so that they don’t feel worried or scared when coming to the dentist. Children pick up on how their family react to certain situations and can pick up on your own fear or anxiety at the dentist. Together we can all make sure that your child’s oral health is looked after into adulthood. There are a variety of child friendly toothbrushes and toothpastes that can make cleaning their teeth more fun and interesting. Eating certain fruits such as apples can help to clean their teeth and foods containing calcium such as milk and cheese can help to build healthy teeth and bones. If you would like any advice or would like to bring your little ones to see us for a check-up get in touch today so we can look after the whole families oral health.
