Dental Care Tips for Kids

As adults we understand the importance of dental care and keeping our teeth free from cavities. However, the same emphasis is sometimes not given to our children’s teeth and oral hygiene.

The biggest misconception in India is that since a child’s teeth are predominantly milk teeth, they do not require much maintenance or dental treatment, as they will exfoliate and fall off once the child grows.

But this couldn't be farther from the truth. Your child’s dental habits, when they are small, will govern their dental habits when they’re older. So, healthy teeth when they’re kids will most definitely result in healthy teeth when they’re adults. Untreated dental disease in children can lead to problems in sleeping, eating and even functioning at school and during activities.

Let us look at how you can help your child maintain their dental hygiene with a few useful tips.

Tips to Encourage Dental Care in Your Children

Be a Good Role Model

The one thing to remember is that kids do not usually listen to you, they imitate you. This gives you a great opportunity to introduce dental care to them passively. Be a good role model, and brush and floss your teeth along with your kids, rather than instructing them to do so on their own. Make it a fun daily activity so that your kids can enjoy it instead of doing it as a chore.

Teach Them Good Dental Hygiene

Demonstrate to your kids the best way to maintain oral hygiene. Teach them how to hold a toothbrush, how to squeeze a small amount of toothpaste, and move their brush in their mouth. As you keep teaching them, they will grasp it and start doing it on their own.

Take Your Kids to the Dentist

Get your kids to the dentist for routine dental checkups at an early age. This way, when they keep visiting the dentist regularly, it becomes a routine for them and they do not become averse to a dental visit. You can even take them along if their brother or sister has dental treatment, to observe that a visit to the dentist is not something to be afraid of. Talk to your dentist regarding dental sealants and fluoride varnish treatment that can avoid cavities.

Talk To Your Child

If your child is about to have a dental appointment, talk to them prior to the visit. Prepare them for the appointment by talking about what the dentist will do, using gentle terms.

Avoid Sugar Heavy Foods

Sugars in food can stick to teeth and cause cavities. Hence, it is advisable to limit high sugar foods for your children. Total avoidance is not practical because a child will be tempted by chocolates and candy. You can set up a reward system, wherein a good deed or a chore will be rewarded by candy once or twice a week.

Brush Twice a Day

Encourage your kids to brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Use technology to your advantage, and use brushing apps that can make brushing a fun activity for your child.

In the end, the foundation for good oral hygiene starts at a young age, so it’s up to you as a parent and the dentist, to collectively form the foundation of good dental care for your kids.