Oral Hygiene Basics: 9 Dental Care Tips for Preschoolers

Dental health is crucial to a child’s overall health and well-being, and starting early is key. As parents, we are responsible for educating and encouraging our children to adopt healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime. From the age of two, children can learn about the importance of brushing, flossing, and visiting a Sarnia dentist regularly.

We will discuss the proper tips for maintaining good dental health in young children, including the benefits of a healthy diet, proper oral hygiene, and the use of fluoride. With the right guidance, your child will develop strong and healthy teeth and gums, laying the foundation for good dental health in their life. Here are some tips for maintaining good dental health in young children:

1. Teach proper oral hygiene

Teach your child to rinse their mouth with water after eating and to brush and floss regularly. Show them how to brush and floss their teeth properly, and let them practice on their own. Teach them to gently move their hands up and down, ensuring they touch the gum line. Be certain that they:

• Make short strokes
• Brush the front, back, and top of teeth
• Brush the tongue
• Spit out the toothpaste when they finish
• Rinse out the mouth after they finish brushing

2. Brush twice a day

One of the important tips for a child’s dental health is to brush their teeth twice a day. Brushing after breakfast and before going to bed will remove any plaque that could cause tooth decay. Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles designed for children. Soft bristles can remove plaque effectively while being gentler on your kid’s gums.

3. Floss daily

Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth. The older your child gets, the closer their teeth touch, making brushing insufficient. This is why your child’s oral dental routine should include regular flossing. The use of floss helps to prevent the accumulation of germs by removing plaque between the surfaces of your child’s teeth.

4. Use fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel. Most tap water contains fluoride; your child can also get additional fluoride from toothpaste and supplements. Also, it’s important to tell them to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.

5. Avoid sugary drinks

Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Instead, tell your children to drink water or milk, and limit their consumption of sugary drinks. Remember that drinks labelled with “no added sugar” still contain natural sugar, which could still cause tooth decay.

6. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods like candy, cookies, and citrus fruits can also help protect teeth. While milk, yogurt, and cheese are great sources of calcium, it is advised that you pick dairy products free of added sugar.

7. Limit sugary foods

Snacks, especially sugary and starchy ones, can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage your child to limit their snacking and brush their teeth after eating. If you have to, give them a chocolate bar instead of gummy or sticky candies that can get stuck between the teeth even after brushing.

8. Avoid bottle or pacifier use at night

Prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier at night can increase the risk of tooth decay. Teach your child to stop using a bottle or pacifier or to switch to a sippy cup.

9. Visit the dentist regularly

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining good dental health. Your child should visit the dentist at least once a year or more frequently if recommended by their dentist in Oakville. Good dental health habits should start early in life to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Visiting a dentist in Oshawa at an early age will also help them be more comfortable and establish a habit of dental checkups. By following these tips, you can help your child maintain good dental health and avoid future oral health problems.