It is very important for all parents to begin proper oral health for their children at an early age. From infancy into early adolescents, parents must remain the predominant figure in guidance for maintaining effective dental practices. Ignoring even minor habits may have lasting adverse effects.
In early childhood years many parents practice using sweets on a pacifier or as a drink before sleep. The sweets keep the pacifier in the mouth or provide for a relaxing drink. While this may stop the crying temporarily, it may bring more long-term damage than short-term benefits.
Prolonged exposure to the sugars in milk and juices may do damage. The sugars may contribute to tooth decay — a painful experience for many children. The tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feeds on the sugar. The bacteria then produce acid by-products that eat through enamel causing a cavity.
Regular brushing, gum cleaning and diet are major contributors to the child’s oral health. These are all also important factors in determining the child’s ability to chew food, speak and smile. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several key actions to prevent any damage to your child’s teeth. Some of these practices are to never dip the pacifier in a sweet substance, introduce children to a cup at a year old and never let a child fall asleep with the bottle remaining in the mouth. Before and during teething always remember to clean your child’s gums with a wet, soft cloth. This will remove many sugars and unnecessary substances from the gums allowing teeth to grow in a healthy oral environment.
As your child grows it becomes vital to teach and practice oral hygiene. Brushing with correct technique, pressure, and timing are essential habits for a lifetime. As we develop, our habits become embedded in our daily lives. One of these habits is brushing, therefore, it is crucial for a parent to check their brushing technique with a dentist before passing on the knowledge to your child. Mouthwash is a great compliment, however, most mouthwash products are not recommended until the child is at least six years old.
Make sure to take your children to the dentist regularly, check their inner mouth and gums, and practice beneficial health habits. Their longterm well-being depends on it.
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