Kids are not always interested in healthy teeth and gums, and just getting them to brush their teeth can be a challenge. They may do a quick brush but it’s often not enough and without a proper dental routine, their teeth and gums will quickly become unhealthy.
As parents or caregivers, it is up to us to ensure our toddlers and kids have healthy teeth. If we allow them to neglect their gums, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontitis, loose teeth, and decay, all of which are serious problems that will only get worse over time.
Clean the Pacifier Regularly
In order to prevent these things from happening, here are five ways to help your child’s teeth and gums remain clean and healthy: Try to remove the baby bottle from your child’s bedtime routine because it will lead to tooth and gum decay. Many toddlers find their bottles to be very comforting, but the reality is that it’s destructive because the sugar from the milk will become consumed with bacteria if it is left in your child’s mouth and erode their enamel. If they insist on a bottle, try filling it up with water instead.
Avoiding The Bedtime Baby Bottle Is Recommended
While this can be very hard to do, try your best to keep a clean pacifier because a dirty one may cause harmful bacteria to enter a toddler’s mouth, which is something you definitely want to avoid. The best way of sanitizing a pacifier is by boiling it for a couple of minutes but when you’re in a rush, you can rinse it with warm water for a few seconds.
Brushing Gently
As soon as you notice your child’s teeth emerging, begin brushing them right away. Start with toothpaste that does not have fluoride in it as most kids will not understand the concept of spitting out the toothpaste right away. It’s important to teach your child how to brush firmly, so that food particles are removed but gentle enough where their gums will not become damaged.
Flossing Every Day
Teach your child how to floss because they will get into the habit of doing it early on, which is great for their gums. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles in between teeth and hard-to-reach areas, and you can start doing this as soon as your child has more than one tooth.
Establish A Dental Home Early
Establish a relationship between your child and a pediatric dentist early on so that they become used to the idea of dental check-ups. Take them to see the clinic, so they can feel comfortable because it’s very important for children not to feel scared so that they agree to come back for future visits.
Upper Fort Dental in downtown Winnipeg is a great place for both children and adults as their family dentists can take care of all of your dentistry needs. For a healthy mouth and beautiful smile, call them today!
