How to Build Healthy Teeth Brushing Habits in Children
When the first baby tooth appears, the maintenance of oral hygiene in children should begin. Although some parents may think that it is too early, building healthy habits and maintaining the health of the gums and teeth are very important for later health and habits.
HOW TO CARE FOR MILK TEETH?
The advice to parents is to clean them with wet gauze as soon as the first teeth appear. In this way, teeth and gums that are sensitive and create problems for toddlers are nurtured until all the teeth erupt. That is why the gauze is very helpful, for the care and alleviation of discomfort and itching when teeth erupt.
However, this is only the first step. At this age, children still do not understand the importance of healthy habits and oral hygiene. You, as parents, should make a good foundation for them for a later period when they will be able to take care of their teeth on their own.
As deciduous teeth are crucial for the development of the jaw and correct speech, and they also preserve the place of permanent teeth that will come after them, proper and regular hygiene in small children should not be neglected.
We advise parents to brush their children’s teeth until the age of 3-4 and after they can already use a toothbrush with your presence.
How to build children’s healthy dental habits?
The child should watch you when brushing your teeth. Keep the bathroom door always open or brush them together. Brushing teeth is boring for some children, so they give up soon. That time is not enough for them to clean thoroughly.
So we advise you to come up with a song that you will sing together during brushing. You can also find an appropriate one on the Internet that will remind you it is time to brush your teeth and make those few minutes more fun for the child.
It is also important to always respect the timing. Establish the habit when brushing your teeth because children like routine, so it is easier to practice and accept obligations.
If you sometimes get into a situation where you skip brushing teeth one evening or morning, try not to do that anymore. Otherwise, you will let the child know that exceptions are available, so sometimes he/she will ask for skipping dental care for no reason. It can be a problem when establishing a routine.
What else is important for dental health besides care?
In addition to care, which is the key to maintaining children’s teeth, it is crucial to teach children what habits contribute to keeping teeth healthy and which contribute to more frequent tooth decay.
Children should be aware of the fact that a healthy diet is crucial for a beautiful smile. Explain to them how excessive intake of sweets and carbonated drinks, which they love so much, negatively affect their teeth. Also, teach them which foods and which diet have a positive effect on teeth and gums.
Going to the dentist and regular dental check-ups are an indispensable part of dental care. It happens that parents do not pay so much attention to going to the dentist. Often neglected, the problem arises, and they believe that a new, permanent tooth will come into the baby tooth’s place.
However, deciduous teeth keep the place for the permanent teeth which come after them. Their health is the foundation of the future permanent teeth. By going to preventive check-ups children will get rid of the fear of the dentist and acquire the habit of going to the dentist even when they do not have a problem.
The professional team of dentists of the Dental Oral Center polyclinic and many years of experience in family dentistry guarantee commitment to toddlers. Schedule the first examination at our polyclinic, call 011 2662 577 or 064 2662 577. We will be pleased to answer all your doubts and questions regarding the care and health of the first teeth.