All good habits are inculcated by parents in their children. The same goes for practicing good dental care. Disciplining your child to take care of his oral hygiene can be an uphill task. Children are carefree and do not understand the importance of good oral hygiene. 

Kids are fond of sugary stuff. They often binge eat sticky sweets without realizing how harmful it can be to their tender gums and teeth.

The mouth is the gateway to the digestive system. Oral health is linked to overall wellness. A healthy mouth will ensure that your child gets the essential nutrients required for growth. However, the presence of oral bacteria inside the mouth is dangerous as it can lead to the formation of cavities.

In order to avoid the cavities and subsequent dental ailments, the following precautions need to be taken.

Letting Go of the Pacifier

• Pacifiers offer many conveniences to mothers. They satisfy the suck reflex in babies. They soothe toddlers and stop them from crying. However, prolonged use can ruin teeth development in babies. They lead to a phenomenon known as pacifier teeth which involves a change in the shape of the mouth’s roof. Other problems such as the growth of misaligned teeth and undesirable changes in jaw alignment are also attributed to pacifier teeth.

As an alternative, use a straw or a baby carrot. Distract your toddler with a new toy or a night light.

Make Brushing Fun

Teach your child to brush twice a day. There are many ways to encourage kids to have a proper brushing routine, such as:

•   Get your kid an electric toothbrush.
•   Buy a brush with your kid’s favorite cartoon character.
•   Get them excited and make brushing a zestful activity. 
•   Buy their favorite flavor of toothpaste.
•   Reward them if they brush regularly.

Better Food Options

• Teach your kid about healthy food options. Avoid sugary, sticky foods, and fizzy drinks as they are not only harmful to oral health but to your child’s overall health as well. Opt for calcium-rich foods, fiber-rich foods, and high protein foods.

Low-fat yogurt, cheese, almonds, salmon, leafy green vegetables help promote strong teeth. Phosphorus, found in eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, and nuts is also very beneficial for teeth and molar development.

Discipline and Incentive

Develop a few basic rules to encourage your child to follow an oral hygiene routine. Exercise positive reinforcement by rewarding them with something if they do it right. Here are a few rules regarding oral hygiene that your kids should follow:

•       Brushing twice a day
•       Flossing before bed
•       Using mouthwash after eating sugary or sticky food
•       No bedtime eating
•       No midnight snacks
•       Watching the sugar intake
•       Rinsing mouth after every meal

Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• It is caused by the prolonged exposure of the child’s teeth to sugar-containing liquids. These liquids include milk, sodas, fruit juice, formula, and other sweetened drinks. The sugar can cling to the child’s teeth, promoting the growth of bacteria and cause tooth decay.

While we cannot completely eliminate sugar from our children’s lives, restricting their use can be helpful in the long run.

Regular Dental Checkups

• The checkups must start once your child gets the first milky teeth. It is advised to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Regular checkups eliminate the chances of getting serious mouth diseases. They also provide great assistance in maintaining your oral hygiene.

If you are looking for a dental clinic at Everett and Seattle for your child’s regular dental checkups, book an appointment with Icon Dental Centre. Their reliable and dedicated dentists will guide you better on how to maintain your child’s oral health.