Caring for your teeth and gums properly is important. When it comes to your children, it is crucial to establish good hygiene practices early on, so they can enjoy a nice, bright smile throughout their lives. Dental care is about more than appearance, however. It is also essential to helping you chew your food. Also, when there are problems with the teeth and gums, there can be issues with other areas of the body, like the heart.
There are many things you can do to help your children have healthy teeth. The following tips will assist you.
- Begin With They Are Young
Many parents don’t realize that tooth decay is common in early childhood. In fact, approximately 25 percent of kids will experience tooth decay before they enter school. That number rises with age; fifty percent of all 12 to 15 year olds need to have cavities filled. Experts recommend that parents begin taking care of their children’s teeth as soon as they see the first one come out. For most babies, this is around the half year mark. Pick up a soft brush created for infants and gently care for the tooth with a little water. By the time your child turns two, they can help with the process, although you need to oversee what they are doing.
- Prevent Decay
When your child is about six, they will get their permanent molars. If a thin coating is put on the back teeth, it can help protect against
decay. Sealants, therefore, are important to helping reduce the likelihood of cavities, but many children don’t get them. Speak to your dentist to see what your options are.
- Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
If children tend to use pacifiers or suck their thumbs you may find that in some cases it can have an impact on their teeth and how straight they are. Regular thumb sucking or use of a pacifier can alter the shape that teeth come in at and cause long term issues. Ideally you should prevent such behaviour, however
teeth straightening is also a solution to the problem and should be considered
- Use Fluoride
Brush with
fluoride, but make sure you don’t go overboard. Fluoride helps to make enamel stronger, so there is less chance of decay. Most people consume fluoridated water. However, it may be worth it to put a fluoride application on as well, to ensure that you are protected. Toothpastes generally have fluoride, too, but it is not to be swallowed. That is why you must be careful with children. Never put more than a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste on their brush (about the size of a pea). If white spots appear, you know you are going overboard.
- Brush And Floss
At least two times per day, the teeth need to be brushed. And, don’t forget about flossing! Even teenagers can be afflicted with
gingivitis. In order to support good gum health, make sure to switch out toothbrushes once a quarter. If your child has braces, make sure they have the tools they need to clean properly.
If you are an adult that has difficulty brushing and flossing, consider picking up an electric toothbrush. There are other “hacks” you can do to help you; for instance, placing a bicycle grip on a toothbrush allows you to hold onto it better.
