As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your kid. Unfortunately, most kids seem to have a superpower of avoiding things that are good for them while being attracted to things that are bad for them. From trying to skip their veggies in favor of candy to throwing tantrums at bedtime, it can be quite difficult to encourage your kid to do things that are good for them.
And the same applies to their oral health. Whether it is their resistance to brush their teeth twice a day or doing whatever they can to avoid dental visits, most kids seem to be naturally inclined at doing everything in their power to ruin their oral health. However, it is extremely important to encourage them to practice oral hygiene as early as possible to ensure that they are able to retain the habits into adulthood.
When Should Kids Start Brushing Their Teeth?
Ideally, you should start cleaning your baby’s mouth as soon as the first tooth pokes through the gums. However, they will likely be too young to use an actual toothpaste at the time.
Instead, you can use a clean, damp washcloth or your finger to gently wipe the first teeth as well as the front of the tongue. It is also important to pay attention to the gums to prevent bacterial growth. Do this twice a day – after waking up and before going to sleep – as well as after every meal.
After they start sprouting more teeth, you can switch to a baby toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste – no more than the size of a grain of rice. Choose the softest brush that you can get your hands on with no more than three rows of bristles. As soon as the toothbrush starts getting rough around the edges, toss it away and get a new one.
Since your baby is going to be very impressionable at this point, try to make this brushing session as fun as possible. Laugh, make noises, and do whatever you know makes your baby happy while you brush their teeth. This way, they’ll have happy memories associated with brushing their teeth and wouldn’t try to avoid it as they start growing older.
When they do get older, try to incorporate more activities while they brush their teeth to make it more fun. For instance, you can show them some educational videos on your phone or tablet. If you show them educational cartoons about the importance of brushing their teeth, they might understand how crucial it is and pay extra attention to their oral health.
Do Kids Need to Have Regular Dental Visits?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), every child should start seeing a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first primary tooth appears. The guidelines add up either way since the first primary tooth usually erupts when a baby is around 6 months old.
However, if it takes longer for your baby’s first teeth to erupt, it is completely fine to delay their first appointment. For instance, if the first teeth start erupting when their 9-month old, you can plan their first dentist appointment when they are 15-month-old. On the other hand, if their first tooth appears when they’re only 5-month old, you should probably take them to a dentist by the time they’re 11-month old. So keep an eye on your child’s primary teeth and plan a dental visit accordingly.
If your kid is already past that window and you haven’t taken them to a dentist yet, don’t fret. Make an appointment today and visit a pediatrician as early as possible.
Their first dental visit will be fairly simple. The dentist or pediatrician will likely do some basic, painless examinations while trying to make your kid comfortable with dental visits.
The dentist will also likely recommend a time frame within which you should come back for regular adults. Usually, kids should have the same dental visit routine as adults, which is biyearly. However, if their dentist recommends fewer or more frequent visits, it is best to listen to follow their guidance. Either way, you should take them to the dentist at least once a year.
Regular dental visits ensure that any issues related to the teeth or gums are noticed early on. This way, the dentist can prevent the issue from becoming worse and treat it in time.
Final Words
Practicing oral health and building healthy habits early can encourage your kids to keep up with it when they are grown up. If you’re looking for a good pediatrician for your kids, consider services like The Dental Register.
