Why You should Adopt Proper Teeth Brushing From Childhood
Some LA parents may be genuinely surprised with the most recent American Dental Association’s advice regarding oral care for infants. It is recommended that parents start brushing their children’s teeth right when the first teeth emerge. Perhaps you might have not known that even fresh teeth are quite vulnerable when it comes cavities – no less than the older teeth.
The Dental Association advises parents to start using a cloth and a bit of toothpaste no bigger than the size of a rice grain to clean every single tooth. And while more and more teeth will begin to grow, it is encouraged to brush the teeth after every single meal or at least twice a day.
It is also extremely important to find the ideal toothbrush that will make brushing as comfortable as possible. A small amount of toothpaste will go nicely on a soft and bristled toothbrush. There are plenty of toddler-sized and infant toothbrushes that have small bristle heads on the market these days. And getting those brushes will be invaluable to your child’s oral health. In addition, you can find round and triangular-shaped brushes that will permit your toddler to walk around with them and with little to no chance of injury in case of a bad fall.
If you child doesn’t’ like the taste of the toothpaste, try and brush without using it. Your main objective is to remove all the food leftovers to avoid bacteria build up, which will be followed by plaque and cavities.
Once you see that two teeth are touching, it is time to begin flossing. This is an essential procedure to ensure that no food leftovers are stuck between the teeth. And, of course, effective flossing will require a certain motor skill that the majority of children will not develop before age of six or maybe seven. Hence, parents will need to help with flossing until they are certain that the child can perform it properly.
Parents need to guide their children until they are old enough to handle oral hygiene on their own. However, if you instill effective brushing habits, it will be incredibly advantageous for your child in the future. Even though you may believe that everyday supervision takes too much time, just stop and think about the fact that these habits will protect their health in the long run. Furthermore, you will be able to avoid even more dental expenses associated with improper oral hygiene.
You need to take your child to his or her very first dentist visit within about six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. Although it may seem a bit early, do not forget that going to the dentist is just like going to the pediatrician. Just as the pediatrician will provide you with comprehensive information on your child’s general health and some invaluable tips and recommendations, the dentist will offer guidance to everything related to your child’s dental health and will offer you advice as well.
Furthermore, the dentist can consult with you on sippy cups and pacifiers, x-ray safety, as well as nighttime bottles and so much more. They will recommend proper sealants for parents with older kids, special tooth protection for athletics, and orthodontics.
One way or the other, you want your children to have healthy and beautiful smiles. And this is why it is so important to make sure that you instill proper oral hygiene habits from very early on, as this will be extremely beneficial in the long run, both for you and for your children.
