As a mother, you want the best for your children. On top of this is to foster their health and well-being. But did you know that your kids’ oral health is as equally important as their overall health?
Sure, your children’s teeth may fall out, and they’ll eventually grow new ones. As such, it’s easy to take their oral health for granted. However, it’s vital to teach them proper oral care and carve good oral hygiene as young as they are. Why? They’ll grow up with good dental habits that will protect their oral health in the future.
Unfortunately, most children don’t mind their teeth and mouth in general. They love to eat sweets and treats that can cause tooth decay. Also, they tend to skip brushing and flossing their teeth unless you force them to do so. Lastly, most kids are afraid to see a dentist. That’s when you step in as a parent to foster your children’s oral health.
That said, here’s our dental guide for every mother on how to take care of their kid’s dental health:
1. Monitor Their Dental Health
Statistics show that one out of five children aged five to 11 years ends up with one tooth decayed. The same thing happens to 17 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Unfortunately, untreated cavities can impact your kids in a handful of ways. These can affect their eating, speaking, learning, and even playing. Hence, it’s vital to monitor your children’s dental health as they grow up. Check their teeth from time to time and ask if they experience some oral problems. That way, you can take the necessary actions right away.
2. Get Enough Fluoride
Despite the prevalence of oral health problems among children, the good news is that you can prevent dental cavities. That’s where the use of fluoride comes into the picture. The constant use of fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel and prevents food acids from penetrating them. For the most part, tap water is the top source of fluoride. However, use toothpaste for brushing teeth as they contain fluoride. Ensure they carry the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance.
3. Ensure Good Oral Health Habits
As a parent, there are oral health habits you can teach your children. However, they all boil down to brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. Know that they come with proper techniques. Therefore, you should teach your kids to do the same. Take note of the following:
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Brushing
Your kids should brush their teeth after every meal. If not, make sure they do so at least twice a day. However, be selective of the brushing tools as they must not be harsh to the gums and teeth. Choose a toothbrush with a soft, small bristle for your children. Also, teach them to brush their teeth in a circular motion as gently as possible.
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Flossing
Same as brushing teeth, your children must floss their teeth at least twice a day. Flossing eliminates particles trapped between teeth that brushing alone cannot remove. However, make sure to teach them how to floss their teeth properly. That way, they don’t hurt their gums.
4. Limit or Avoid Some Food and Beverages
As a mother, you should also monitor your children’s food and beverage consumption. Some food and drinks can significantly cause tooth decay. So you may either limit their consumption of these or stop them from eating these altogether. Here’s what your kids should avoid:
- Sugary food
- Candies
- Artificial juices
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot chocolate drinks
5. Consider Having Regular Dental Checkups
Having a regular dental checkup is a part of the overall equation. The rule of thumb is to see an oral doctor every six months. This idea applies to your children as well. However, try to make it as fun as possible, as some kids are afraid of seeing a dentist.
That said, your kids will most likely get an oral checkup and dental cleaning. If the doctors see some dental problems, they can take care of these right away. That way, these oral issues won’t escalate to big problems like periodontitis.
6. Have a Dental Emergency When Necessary
When your children are sick, you’ll immediately rush them to a pediatric clinic. The same logic applies to your kids’ oral health as well. If your kids suffer from a toothache, have a dental emergency right away. Should they have oral issues that can cause speech defects or affect their eating habits, bring them to a dental clinic for pediatric dentistry.
Taking Care of Your Children’s Oral Health
At this point, you now know how to foster your children’s oral health. As a mother, consider the dental tips recommended above, from monitoring their dental health to having regular dental checkups to having a dental emergency.
As dealing with kids can be particularly challenging, you must be patient as a parent. In the end, you’ll thank yourself for taking good care of your kids’ dental health. Ultimately, they’ll grow up with a complete set of healthy, strong, and pearly white teeth.
