6 Best Practices to Teach Children Right From the Start to Prevent Plaque Buildup & Tooth

Tooth decay may sound like a problem for adults but is seen in children quite often. It can be prevented by taking the correct practices right from the beginning. Teaching your child about dental health from an early age can save them from various health problems as well. Here are 6 best practices to teach children right from the start to prevent plaque buildup & tooth decay

1- Brushing twice a day: Brush, brush, don’t rush! Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

2- Limiting sugar intake
Too much of a sugary diet can make the teeth decay which is why limiting their intake, or making them rinse their mouth after having sugar food or brushing can make help wash away the sugar, the same goes for any sugary medication as well, it is important to get rid of the excess sugar in the mouth.

3- Healthy foods
Eating healthy foods, fruits, vegetables, stimulates saliva production are also high in water and keeps your child’s mouth hydrated, and germ-free. Switch to dairy after meals.

4- Don’t neglect your tongue: The tongue is one such important part of the mouth that we often neglect and not cleaning the tongue can lead to mouth odour and various other mouth problems.

5- Rinse your mouth using a good mouthwash for added protection: A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth and reduce the risk of developing any problems. Antimicrobial mouth rinses prevent tooth decay and reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Always consult your dentist about any new products you are interested in trying. For instance, fluoride mouth rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them. It is advisable to always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations.

6- Regular appointments: It can be beneficial for the children to visit the dentist from a very young age since signs of tooth decay can be seen in children from the very young age of only 15-20 months, it is good to prevent it early in life and help bond with dentists and removing any kind of fear from their minds, it is good to monitor early development and preventing any signs of cavities, and can help educate the parents of dental hygiene.

Footnote

Dental hygiene matters for all ages and teaching such good habits to your kids from a very early age can help them to live a healthier life.