Tips for Good Dental Hygiene in Young Children

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay affects more than 25 percent of American children 2 to 5 years old, and half of children 12 to 15 years old. That is more than any other chronic infectious disease.

Your child’s oral health heavily contributes to their overall health. Bad oral health can lead to problems that affect not only their teeth but also their performance in school, eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

Promoting oral health to your children is important. Follow these dental care tips early on their life to prevent future problems later in their life:

1. Make brushing their teeth a daily routine. As a young child, the last thing they probably want to do when they wake up or before they go to bed is brush their teeth. But the more you make this a routine, the more likely they’ll continue to take care of their teeth later in life.

2. Make brushing their teeth fun! One of the best ways to promote dental hygiene in young children and prevent tooth decay is to get them enthusiastic about daily oral hygiene. Make it fun! Get them a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character on it or a fun flavored toothpaste such as bubblegum or strawberry. Choosing a toothpaste and toothbrush that your child will like and want to use can help make the process a whole lot easier!

3. Begin gentle flossing whenever two of their teeth begin touching. This isn’t an easy job with little ones but even if you don’t have great success, don’t give up. Every little bit helps.

Tip: Small dental floss picks may be easier to use with small children.

4. Remember that candy and sweets aren’t the only foods that can cause tooth decay. Limit the use of fruit juices and sticky foods such as cereal bars, which can stay on teeth for long periods of time.

5. Visit a dentist regularly. Getting your child into the dentist early will help them feel comfortable in the dentist’s office as opposed to being scared every time they have a dental appointment. Dentists can also help with preventive oral care in children such as sealants on children’s teeth, a protective coating to keep bacteria out and prevent cavities.