Did you know that even little kids could suffer from tooth decay? That even when they are all gums and one tooth, they are candidates for teeth problems? Teeth hygiene in kids is critical as it sets the tone for their dental journey. Taking care of our childrens’ teeth should start as soon as they start forming teeth. Here are 6 tips to get you started on this journey.

Start early

Before they start teething, clean the little one’s gums with a clean and damp washcloth. Massage their little gums and clean out any lingering bacteria and food particles.

Introduce teeth brushing when your child gets the first set of teeth.

Get them an infant toothbrush with soft bristles that will not hurt their fragile gums. Teach them the importance of brushing teeth and make a fun activity out of it.

Sweet tooth?

Is your little one drawn to sweet and savory goodies? Most kids are. However, the sugar levels in these delicacies are not good for the teeth. It is paramount to make healthy meal choices, not just for their teeth, but also for their overall well-being. If your child does have the sugary snacks, have them brush their teeth right after.

Of thumb sucking and pacifiers

As a form of self-soothing mechanism, some kids resort to sucking their thumbs or using a pacifier. Though most kids typically grow out of this habit, prolonged indulgence might cause teeth alignment issues. It is critical to keep practicing good dental hygiene and brushing habits during this transition to keep germs at bay.

How short or how long?

Kids can be mischievous during teeth brushing times. They want to get over the process quickly and get back to playtime. How long then should they brush their teeth? Dentists recommend a minimum of 2 mins. How do you manage eager toddlers who are in a rush? You could set up a clock or a ‘teeth-brushing countdown’. Playing them their favorite song may also help make the activity a fun one.

The toothbrush life cycle

To get your kids excited, let them help pick out a toothbrush. After brushing their teeth, clean the toothbrush well and store it in a clean place. Remember to always change the toothbrush every 12-16 weeks.

Keep up the check-ups!

As your little ones grow, keep checking in with your pediatric dentist every six months or depending on your dentist’s recommendations. Regular check-ups will help both you and your child keep track of dental milestones, look out for and treat teeth discoloring or decay before they become an issue.

Though it may look like a task, good oral hygiene eventfully becomes manageable as the kids grow. As a parent, you should set a good example on the above tips so that your little ones can emulate you!