Tips for Keeping Children's Teeth Healthy

We all want our children to be healthy - during childhood and beyond!  But many don’t realize that dental health issues can lead to many other health conditions.  Because of that, it’s important to create healthy habits in childhood that will last a lifetime.

So, how can you ensure your children have healthy teeth and gums?  These 9 simple steps can help:

1. Start early.  Even before your baby’s first tooth comes through, use a damp cloth to gently rub the gums.  This removes any harmful bacteria, and makes brushing easier as they grow.  When their first tooth breaks through, switch to an infant toothbrush, and be sure you don’t send your baby to bed with a bottle.  Milk and formula leave sugar on teeth, which can cause decay at an early age.
2. Don’t share germs. Don’t share utensils, sippy cups, bottles, pacifiers or other items with your children or allow them to be shared with others. Be sure to thoroughly clean items that will be in your baby’s mouth to prevent bacterial infections such as thrush.
3. Be a role model. Kids imitate those around them, so be a role model and demonstrate good oral health habits.  When you brush and floss with your child, it becomes a daily routine instead of a chore.
4. Avoid sugary food and drinks - especially in school lunches. When sugar sits on teeth, it causes decay.  Model healthy eating habits for your kids and talk to them about the link between sugar and cavities.  Everyone needs a treat now and then, so teach your kids to limit their desserts and brush after eating sugary treats.
5. Visit the dentist.  Ensure your children visit the dentist twice a year, and show your kids that you keep your dental appointments as well. Over time, this will become a ritual, and your children will continue their regular hygiene visits into adulthood. Children should have their first dental appointment within 6 months of their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first, and then twice a year after that.
6. Talk. Talk to your kids about what they can expect at the dentist. At their dental visit, talk to your dentist about any concerns you have such as crowding, thumb sucking, losing teeth, mouth guards for sports or grinding. Also talk to your dentist or pediatrician about fluoride and let them know whether or not your child gets fluoride from town water supplies.  If not, you may need to consider a supplement.
7. Teach proper brushing and flossing. Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes for healthy teeth.  You can set a timer and brush together with your kids.  Provide young kids with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.  Show them how to brush all surfaces of their teeth with a very small amount of toothpaste.   Once kids understand how to spit, rather than swallow the paste, they can use a pea-size amount. When teeth have grown to touch each other, teach your kids to floss twice a day.
8. Consider Sealants. Talk to your dentist about the option of having your child’s teeth sealed. Sealants can help prevent cavities and resulting fillings.

The ultimate goal is to install good habits.  If your kids are used to eating healthy foods, brushing & flossing twice a day, and visiting the dentist twice a year, these habits will last a lifetime.