This is a sponsored guest post.
Your child’s oral hygiene is an important part of his or her overall well-being. Poor dental care can lead to infection, disease or other problems such as tooth decay. Teaching your child good habits early on can encourage positive practices later in life. Read on to learn why keeping up with your child’s oral health is beneficial and how it can help him or her set a lifelong routine.
Oral Health Checklist created by Natomas Crossing Dental Care
Primary teeth hold the space for adult teeth, keeping your child’s jaw straight. Even though these teeth will eventually fall out, they play a vital role in how little ones learn to chew, smile and talk. Having healthy teeth can also affect your child’s confidence in his or her education and social life. Good oral care starts even before a baby’s first tooth appears. To clear away harmful bacteria, run a clean, damp washcloth over the baby’s gums. Be sure to schedule a dentist appointment as soon as you see the first tooth emerge.
Toddlers can usually begin to brush their teeth around age two but may need assistance up to age five. Make sure you use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Consider starting an oral hygiene routine well before bedtime so your child won’t be too tired.
You can even brush with your child to make the process more fun, or try playing a favorite song to ensure that he or she brushes for two minutes. Continue to encourage school-age children to brush and floss regularly. Promote healthy eating habits by preparing lunches that include fruits or vegetables and exclude soft drinks or sugary foods.
Following these helpful tips can set your child on the right path for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene. For more information on children’s oral health, see the accompanying checklist.
Author bio: Dr. Sheila Harris is owner of Natomas Crossing Dental Care in Sacramento, California. Dr. Harris has been a licensed dentist since 2000, after graduating from Northwestern University School of Dentistry. She is a member of numerous dental organizations and has been selected as one of the top general dentists in the Sacramento area for the past five years.
