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.