As a parent, you certainly want to keep your children’s teeth healthy and free of cavities. Taking them to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is definitely important. However, to keep their teeth healthy, your child will also need to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy – while also teaching them dental hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Find a Toothpaste They Enjoy
Children often find the flavor of classic, mint toothpaste too strong and overpowering. They’ll be more likely to brush their teeth if you instead buy a toothpaste they enjoy. There are plenty of kids’ toothpastes on the market in flavors like bubblegum and cherry. Make sure you choose one that is ADA approved, as this ensures it contains a healthy amount of fluoride to keep tooth enamel strong and cavity-resistant.
Consider taking your child to the pharmacy and grocery store and allowing them to pick their own toothpaste and toothbrush. Many kids are more excited to brush their teeth when they get to use tools they chose themselves.
Brush With Them
Pick a time in the morning and another time in the evening, and have the whole family brush their teeth together at those times. Watching you brush your teeth will help your child learn to brush their own more effectively. Plus, your child is far less likely to skip brushing if it is something you all do together.
Help Them Brush
If you feel your child is not doing a good job of brushing their teeth, don’t hesitate to step in and help. Some kids are ready to brush their own teeth by the age of three or four, but others are not – and that’s okay.
A good in-between approach is to let your child brush their own teeth. Then, step in and give their molars and other hard-to-reach areas a once-over with your grown-up brushing skills.
Try Out Different Flossing Solutions
Flossing is so important for cleaning the areas between teeth. It helps prevent both cavities and gum disease. Many kids find it hard to floss their own teeth. Often, they will have an easier time with flossing picks than with traditional, string floss.
Every brand of flossing picks is a little different. Your child may find one brand easier to hold or position. Flossing picks only cost a few dollars per bag, at most. So, it’s worth buying a few different brands and letting your child try them all. Stick with the brand they find easiest to use. If you make flossing easier, your child is more likely to do it.
Don’t Keep Sugary Liquids On-Hand
Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and even sports drinks are not great for your child’s teeth. The sugar feeds the oral bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you have these drinks in your house, it’s tough to keep your child from consuming them. Instead, try to buy sugar-free drinks like plain water, unsweetened seltzer, and unsweetened iced tea. Treat soda like a treat, not a household staple.
Stock Up on Tooth-Friendly Snacks
Tooth-friendly snacks are those that are low in sugar. Snacks with a really fibrous, crunchy texture are also good for the teeth because they can scrape plaque and bacteria off the surface as your child chews.
Keep lots of tooth-friendly snacks on-hand so your child reaches for these, not candy, when they’re hungry. Examples include apples, string cheese, seasoned nuts, and rice cakes. Carrot and celery sticks are also awesome choices, especially when paired with a healthy hummus or yogurt-based dip.
Clean Their Mouthguard
If your child plays sports, then they should probably be wearing a mouthguard to prevent injuries to their teeth and mouth. Make sure you keep their mouth guard clean so they’re not re-introducing oral bacteria to their mouth every time they insert it.
If you implement the dental hygiene tips above, your child’s teeth have a great chance of staying healthy and strong. They’ll also be more likely to keep these dental hygiene habits as they grow and mature. Contact Selkirk Crossing Dental Centre in Selkirk if you have any questions, or if you’d like to schedule a checkup for your child.