The oral health statistics manifest that tooth decay problems are more prevalent amidst children as compared to grownups. Parents aspire to give the best care to their young ones. However, majority of times they are unsure of the products that ought to be used for kids at different stages of their life.
Passing on a good dental care habit to children is an imperative facet of lessons that you teach them. It encompasses candy or snack restrictions, brushing of teeth at least twice a day as well as proper ways to floss.
Oral health tips for kids at different phases of childhood
• Infant care ( mainly 4 to 24 months)
To avert accumulation of bacteria or plaque that brings about tooth decay, the gums of infants ought to be cleaned with a damp cloth after feeding. When the first tooth of your toddler appears, assure that you employ a soft bristled brush for babies and make him brush for two minutes at least twice a day. Certain studies have shown that fluoride paste is not good for health. Therefore, get a baby brush with cushioned head that doesn’t hurt the gums. Place a pea sized dash of non- fluoride toothpaste to enhance the oral hygiene. The child must be taken to the pediatrician periodically after every 6 months for thorough dental checkup.
• Dental care for 2-4 year old babies
Tooth decay is most prominent amidst children of this age group owing to candy- eating problems. Little ones of this age bracket can use fluoride toothpastes for systematic meticulous cleaning. Kids are a bit reluctant about brushing, so you can get them flavored paste that they generally love to apply. This is the time when the child develops preliminary cleaning habits, thus supervise him scrupulously. Nutrition and eating practices have a great impact over their physical and oral hygiene. Parents can augment their well being by limiting certain foods like colas, sugary drinks, candies, etc.
• Tending for 5-7 years old young ones
Children over five years of age begin to build up their permanent molars. Therefore, it is imperative for them to use specific brush and fluoride toothpaste. Their brush should be perceptive to sensitive areas. The tip must be designed so as to reach front and back corners. In this age, the kids generally lose some of their teeth to develop permanent ones. So the brush ought to be gentle over sore regions.
• Word of advice for children over 8 years
Young ones of this peer group must employ a specialist brush and fluoride paste for sprucing up permanent teeth of varied sizes. The criss- cross bristled brush having power tip to effectively reach mouth corners ought to be used. Moreover, it should be sensitive to remaining gaps and sores. Children are more susceptible to tooth decay during their holidays that are loaded with treats, candies and sugary drinks. Their teeth demand extra care at this stage of their life.
