What parents need to know about oral hygiene and kids

Teeth are important for children, even when they still have their baby teeth. Although these will fall out eventually, they are needed to help your child chew food and speak clearly. Oral hygiene is always important at any age and there is no better time to start taking good care of our teeth than in childhood.

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Teeth can decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. This is why it is crucial to use a good oral hygiene routine with children as early as possible. Tooth decay is common in children and this is partly due to kids’ enjoyment of sweet foods and fizzy drinks. This is why cleaning children’s teeth thoroughly is essential.

First baby teeth

The first baby teeth come through around age six to nine months of age. Your child should have 20 baby teeth by age three. Teeth should be white and without marks and gums should be pink. A child should see a dentist about six months after their first tooth appears and always before one year of age. You can take them to a general dentistry in Leicester or a practice in your own city.

You can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste from age one to two years old. Try not to use fluoride toothpaste until the child can spit it out themselves to avoid them swallowing it. Brushing and flossing are both important in a dental care routine at all ages.

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How to brush your child’s teeth

To brush your child’s teeth, hold the brush at 45 degrees to the gums and move the brush gently back and forth across all surfaces. To clean the inner side, hold the brush vertically. You can also brush the tongue gently to remove bacteria.

You only need to floss if there are two teeth that are touching. Insert the floss between the teeth and gently sweep it down and up in a C shape, taking care not to irritate the gums. You can ask your dentist, such as www.sjrdental.co.uk, to show you how to floss properly. You can also get advice online from the NHS.

Cleaning teeth can be a great bonding time for you and your child. Show them that brushing and flossing can be fun and that it is a vital part of everyone’s morning and bedtime routine.