Child’s Oral Health is essential for children’s overall health and well-being. Healthy teeth and gums help children eat properly, speak clearly, and feel confident.
Here are some expert tips from dentists in Burnaby on how to care for your child’s oral health:
- Start early. The first tooth usually appears around 6 months of age. Once your child’s first tooth comes in, you can start brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Make it fun. Brushing your child’s teeth should be a fun experience. Let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste, and make it a game. You can also sing songs or tell stories while you brush.
- Floss. Once your child has two teeth next to each other, you can start flossing their teeth once a day. Use a flossing stick or a piece of dental floss that is about 18 inches long.
- See the dentist regularly. Children should see the dentist for their first checkup at around 1 year of age. After that, they should see the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and exam.
- Limit sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are a major cause of tooth decay. Limit your child’s intake of sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods helps to keep teeth strong and healthy. Make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Talk to your child about oral health. Talk to your child about the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing the dentist regularly. Explain to them how plaque and cavities form, and why it’s important to take care of their teeth.
By following these tips, you can help your child develop good oral health habits that will last a lifetime.
Here are some additional tips from dentists in Burnaby:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and protect them from decay.
- Avoid thumb sucking and pacifier use. Thumb sucking and pacifier use can put pressure on the teeth and cause them to shift out of alignment.
- Get sealants. Sealants are a thin coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They help to protect teeth from plaque and cavities.
- Treat early signs of decay. If your child has a cavity, it’s important to have it treated early. Early treatment can prevent the cavity from getting worse and causing more damage to the tooth.
Taking care of your child’s oral health is an important part of parenting. By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.