There are so many aspects of your kids’ health to keep track of, from making sure they eat well to encouraging exercise–but dental hygiene is just as important to instill from a young age, because your child’s dental health can influence his overall health. You probably have a plan every time you introduce your kid to something new, and brushing her teeth and teaching a good oral care routine is no different. James Ratcliff, the chairman and CEO of Rowpar Pharmaceuticals, makers of CloSYS dental products, is here with eight tips for starting kids off right when it comes to oral care.
Baby teeth erupt from 6 months to 2.5 years.
Unfortunately, tooth eruption makes gums sore and inflamed, leading to unhappy babies. Use a gentle child’s toothbrush as the bristles are designed to be kind to inflamed tissues.
Diet is the key to healthy teeth; limit sugar and starchy foods.
These can damage teeth as well as having negative affects on other aspects of your child's health.
Brush baby teeth with plain water using a soft toothbrush.
It will remove plaque, massage gums, and keep kids healthy.
Schedule her first dental exam after your baby’s first birthday.
Remember, for kids and adults, plaque is not fully removed by brushing and rinsing alone. The dentist or hygienist can remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of cavities. Some toothpastes, like Cl?SYS, slow the regrowth of plaque as well as strengthens enamel. Ask the dentist how often to visit, as plaque build-up varies from one baby to the next.
Start a routine of a twice-daily brush and oral rinse.
The two points of emphasis for toddlers/kids are to not to swallow toothpaste and to brush for 2 minutes. Using a timer can help get them in this habit. When introducing fluoride toothpaste, always consult with your dentist or doctor first.
Children can begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they turn two.
Fluoride toothpaste will strengthen enamel and protect from cavities. Choose a gentle toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as it is known to inflame tissues and cause oral sores. Again, consult a dentist or doctor before using fluoride toothpaste with children under 2 years of age.
Be sure to read drug facts on the label and follow the instructions when using fluoride toothpaste.
Too much fluoride can be harmful, as can other ingredients.
Parents should begin helping their children use dental floss and/or interdental brushes between ages 2-6, and children should be flossing on their own by age 10.
Bacteria convert food, debris, and sugars into a slimy substance called dental plaque. It grows along the gum lines and between teeth. Getting food and debris and plaque from between teeth is difficult—that’s where dental floss comes in. Interdental brushes also reach between teeth and can be dipped in fluoride toothpaste before use to increase prevention and effectiveness.
Main Image: Credit CloSYS.com
