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Dental Hygiene Tips For Kids
Easy ways to keep kids cavity free.
From sticky candies to colourful gummies and chocolate bars, kids have a whole lot of sweet temptations that can be hazardous. As quickly as the candies are gobbled up, comes the sugar attack on defenseless teeth. Here are a few tips to help make sure your little one enjoys their favourite treats without ruining their teeth with dreaded cavities.
Keep Baby Teeth Strong
Dental care begins right from birth. Avoid using the baby's milk bottle as a pacifier and if the need arises, use plain water instead of milk as the latter will leave residue on your baby's gums causing decay known as the baby bottle syndrome.
Prevent Cavities With A Balanced Diet
A diet rich in calcium, fluoride, and phosphorous will help build a healthy dentition. It’s easiest to establish healthy eating habits by avoiding snacking between meals. Healthy meals that are low in sugar and starch, and rich in vitamins and minerals, maintain good dental hygiene. If snacks are a must, pack fibrous fruits such as apples. Seeds and cheese cubes are also a great option in their lunchboxes to get them hooked on the good stuff.
Set Up A Good Brushing And Flossing Routine
The Canadian Dental Association recommends using a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles that are age appropriate to establish the right size for your child. For those kids who need a little help, opt for battery or electric ones that can be entertaining as well as aid in a child's technique.
The Philips Sonicare is recommended by most Dentists for its superior cleaning action.
Toothbrushes need to be changed every three to four months or when the bristles start to distort.
For younger ones such as babies or toddlers who need more of a hand on approach by their parent, check out the Baby Buddy® Silicone Finger Toothbrush.
The finger brush makes it easy for the parent to slide the gadget into the child's mouth without being too overpowering. For those babies whose mouths are too small, parents can use a clean wet washcloth and simply wipe away any milk residue.
Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for kids who are able to spit after brushing and a pea-size amount of toothpaste is enough. Kids who have a hard time mastering the act of spitting out should be switched to fluoride-free options to be safe.
A great option is this OragelTM Elmo training toothpaste. This fluoride-free option is safe if swallowed, sugar-free with no artificial colours.
Flossing may seem like a lot of work, but it's equally important in your child's oral health regime for healthy gums and keeping teeth cavity-free. Great options to help get your child learning are the Plackers floss.
Lastly Visit The Dentist
According to the International Dental Association, infants should be taken for a dentist examination within six months of getting their first tooth, or by their first birthday. An early visit can identify any issues, preventing future problems.
Share with us your child's dental regimen and tell us what has worked for you.
Featured Image: tinygreenmom
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