There are a lot of mums with plenty of questions about how best to take care of their children’s teeth and how to promote healthy dental daily habits. Good dental hygiene should start before the baby’s first teeth start to come through. A gum massager should be used from early on, or a clean, damp gauze or wet-wipe
Once the first teeth start to appear, they should be brushed three times a day, with a soft toothbrush, so as not to hurt the child. Milk teeth should be taken care of in the same way as permanent ones. Although they will eventually fall out, milk teeth have an important role in helping your child’s chewing and speaking abilities, not to mention their importance in showing the child the necessity of looking after their teeth from an early age.
After the teeth have fallen out, extra care should be taken. Brushing should continue three times daily, with specific children’s fluorine toothpaste. Teach brushing in circular movements. Once the permanent teeth start to appear, one beside the other, floss once daily in between them. Flossing is recommended from four years onwards, and by eight years of age children should be able to floss and brush their teeth by themselves.
The use of products which contain fluorine is recommended, and it’s a good idea to check if the water they drink also contains fluorine, as it is a chemical element which helps to remove bacterial plaque and avoid caries.
So as to make brushing a natural habit, always do so together with your child; you should be the example. If your child shows interest in brushing their teeth by themselves, let them do so, but make sure you brush them yourself afterwards, as small children are not able to clean their teeth completely. Once the child reaches an age when they are able to brush by themselves (around eight or nine years old), they should be encouraged to do so; there’s no harm using child-themed products in order to achieve this.
Other valuable tips are take your child to the dentist at least twice a year and make sure their diet does not contain too many sweets or fatty foods, always prioritising fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking plenty of water, which helps to clean away food residues stuck in the teeth and is generally good for the health.
Following these simple recommendations, the oral health of your child will remain in check. In case of worries, doubts or questions, don’t hesitate in searching out professional help.
