Tips on how to practice good oral hygiene in kids

Good oral hygiene is key to a healthy smile for both children and adults. Teaching your kids how to practice good oral hygiene from a young age will help them maintain healthy teeth and gums for the rest of their lives. Check out these tips on how to practice good oral hygiene in kids!

Good oral hygiene is essential for many reasons. First, it helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Cavities are caused by bacteria that build up on the teeth and form plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar, which can damage the enamel of the teeth and lead to cavities. Gum disease is another serious dental problem that can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Gum disease begins with gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. In addition to preventing cavities and gum disease, good oral hygiene helps freshen breath and keep teeth looking their best.

Let’s go over some of the basics and some tips about how to brush your child’s teeth and ways to establish a practice good oral hygiene in kids. 

Choose the right toothbrush for kids: 

When selecting a toothbrush for your child, choose one that is the appropriate size and brush for their age and stage of development. For infants and toddlers, a soft-bristled toothbrush is best. As your child ages, you can move to a toothbrush with firmer bristles.

Use the correct amount of toothpaste: 

For children under the age of three, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. For children over the age of three, you can use a pea to the rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to supervise your child while they are brushing their teeth to ensure they are not swallowing too much toothpaste.

Brush gently in circular motions: 

Gently brush your child’s teeth in circular motions. Be sure to brush the front, back, and top of each tooth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well!

Floss:

Remember to floss each time you brush to remove any food and plaque that gets lodge in between your teeth.  Floss picks may be an easier way for little ones to do this independently.

Visit the Dentist Regularly: 

Regular dental check-ups are important for both children and adults. Seeing the dentist on a regular basis can help to identify any problems early on and prevent serious dental problems from developing.

Practice good oral hygiene in kids is an important part of their daily routine but how?

1) Make it fun: 

One way to encourage your kids to brush their teeth is by making it fun. There are many ways to involve them, such as letting them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste, playing music while they brush their teeth, or making a game out of it. Whatever you do, try to make brushing their teeth something that your kids enjoy.

2) Set a good example: 

Another way to encourage your kids to brush their teeth is by setting a good example yourself. Be sure to brush your own teeth twice a day. Let your kids see you brush your teeth and reinforce the importance of healthy habits and routines.

3) Reward good behavior: 

You can also use rewards to encourage your kids to brush their teeth. For example, you can create a chart that tracks their brushing habits. Then, give them a sticker or check mark each time they brush their teeth. Once they reach a certain number of stickers or checkmarks, they can earn a prize.

I hope you’ve found these tips on how to practice good oral hygiene in kids helpful.