
Begin Early
Start dental cleaning and care before your baby's first tooth appears. After feeding, wipe their gums with a clean, damp cloth. Once the first tooth emerges, brush it using a soft-bristle toothbrush and water. Around age two, begin using a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervise to ensure they don’t swallow it. Introduce flossing as soon as two teeth touch. You'll need to floss for your child until they can write their own name. They need the proper dexterity to master this skill.
Dental Cleaning Tip: Use gentle, circular motions to brush their teeth and gums twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime. Choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles, and replace it every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed.
Nutritional Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for a child's dental health. Ensuring your child eats a variety of nutritious foods helps maintain strong teeth and gums. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and lean proteins. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, as they can lead to tooth decay. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, which aids in washing away food particles and bacteria. Incorporate calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt to strengthen enamel. Additionally, foods high in fibre, such as apples and carrots, help stimulate saliva production, providing a natural defence against cavities. Establishing healthy eating habits early on lays the foundation for lifelong dental health.
First Dental Visit
The Canadian Dental Association advises scheduling a child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday. This early appointment allows the dental hygienist to monitor oral health and offer guidance. Following the initial visit, maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups as recommended by your dental professional, typically every six months. Additionally, consider consulting your dental hygienist about fluoride treatments, which help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Dental sealants are another effective method to protect against cavities by sealing crevices where food and bacteria can gather.
Nightly Routine
Ensure to have a nightly routine with your little ones! Making brushing and flossing fun for your child can transform these daily routines into enjoyable activities. Start by choosing a toothbrush with their favourite cartoon character or a fun, colourful design, and consider using flavoured fluoridated toothpaste that they find appealing. Incorporate a musical element by playing a favourite song that lasts two minutes to ensure they brush for the recommended time. Create a reward system, like a sticker chart, where they earn a small prize for consistent brushing and flossing. You can also turn it into a family activity, brushing and flossing together to set a good example and make the experience more interactive. Additionally, story-telling or role-playing can make the routine more engaging—imagine the toothbrush is a superhero fighting off evil plaque monsters. These strategies can help build a positive attitude towards oral hygiene, making it a fun and anticipated part of their day.
Schedule an appointment for your child at Luxe Dental Hygiene using the booking tool below or call (604)704-8493
Comments