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The health of your child’s teeth has a big impact on their quality of life. Hence, it is important to start teaching children about proper oral health at a young age. This education should continue throughout their life. Here are the major oral care practices you should teach your child from their childhood.  

• Teach your children about good oral hygiene habits

When your child gets their first teeth or after their first birthday, they should start to have regular dental appointments. Before these appointments, teach your children about good oral hygiene habits. Teach your child to brush his or her teeth. Young children will need a toothbrush with a smaller head and soft bristles. The child should also be shown how to brush properly, which can involve brushing for two minutes. The parent or caregiver should also be brushing the child’s teeth until the child is old enough to do it the child self. The child should be taught to floss his or her teeth as well. The parent or caregiver should floss the child’s teeth until the child is old enough to floss by themselves.

• Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears. Not only can a dentist provide your kids with routine dental check-ups, but they can also provide them with the preventative care and oral health care they need. Besides, children should see the dentist every six months. This will enable them to maintain good oral health. Dentists can also detect early signs of decay or other problems and take action to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy.

• If your child enjoys playing sports, make sure he or she wears a mouthguard to protect his or her teeth.

Many children enjoy playing sports, whether it’s football, soccer, basketball, or another sport. If your child enjoys playing sports, make sure you protect his or her smile. Your child should wear a mouthguard to protect his or her teeth, tongue, and lips from injury. Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, are plastic devices shaped like a mouth that are placed over your child’s teeth to protect them from injury. Though you can purchase a mouthguard at a store, your dentist can make a custom mouthguard for your child.

• Make sure your child eats a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products.

A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of healthy foods will help your child’s teeth remain strong and healthy. It will also help them avoid cavities. Also, limit their intake of sugary or acidic foods, and rinse their mouth if they have them. 

• Avoid placing the child to bed with a bottle

Avoid placing your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. These drinks contain sugars that remain in your child’s mouth throughout the night. These sugars can cause cavities and tooth decay. If your child must drink a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice, make sure he or she rinses with water afterward. The leftover sugars can cause cavities.

Schedule an appointment with Modesto Kidz Dental to make sure your child is in optimal dental health. We are at Bldg B, 2801 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355. Contact us at (209) 578-3131 or visit our website for more information.