Once a child masters good oral hygiene habits, it can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, according to the American Dental Association. While regular dental checkups are a vital part of preventative oral health, dentists say home care is even more important, according to Kids Healh.org. Eating habits, proper brushing and flossing along with regular dental checkups work together to help keep a child free of tooth decay and gum disease.
Infants & Toddlers
Oral hygiene in children essentially begins at birth. A baby's gums should be gently cleaned with wet gauze pad or washcloth.
When teeth begin to appear, the Australian Dental Association recommends that parents begin using a small, soft toothbrush. Your child's first dental visit should take place around his first birthday, according to the American Dental Association.
A baby's teeth should brushed with regular water up to the age of 18 months. Flossing should begin when the first two teeth begin to touch. By age 2 you should brush your child's teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day and floss once daily.
Young children
A young child should be able to brush his own teeth by age 6 or 7 but may continue to need your assistance until around age 11. Instruct your child to brush his teeth in a specific order to ensure that every tooth surface is properly cleaned.
Also make sure your child gently brushes her tongue and the roof of her mouth to wipe away bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Teenagers
Good oral hygiene is more important than ever as a child enters adolescents. Kids Health.org says 84 percent of 17-year-olds have tooth decay while well over half of 15-year-olds have an early stage of gum disease called gingivitis.
A teen may need frequent reminders about practicing good oral hygiene habits which include limiting sugary foods, especially between meals.
Tooth Decay & Diet
Your child's baby teeth are at risk of decay as soon as they appear. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Encourage your child to drink from a cup by the time she turns 1.
Promote healthy eating habits in older children that include plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Serve nutritious snacks and limit sweets to mealtimes.
Chewing sugarless gum after meals or snacks and drinking water throughout the day can help cleanse the teeth of excess bacteria and food debris, according to Gentle Dental Care.com.
Considerations
Poor oral hygiene in children can lead to bad breath. Food particles left in the mouth can cause an unpleasant odor according to Kids Health.org. Consistently failing to brush your teeth can cause a sticky transparent film to collect on the teeth called plaque. Since bacteria thrives on plaque it can worsen bad breath.
Outlook
The primary goal of twice yearly dental visits is to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. A dental hygienist will clean your child's teeth and your dentist will perform a thorough examination of his teeth and gums. You also may want to inquire about a protective plastic coating called dental sealants that can be applied to your child's teeth to help fight cavities.
