Oral hygiene keeps your child's smile bright and teeth healthy. Brushing is a key component to oral hygiene beginning as a baby when the first teeth begin erupting. Getting older kids to brush and floss their teeth is often a challenge, but requiring at least two daily brushing sessions is necessary to prevent dental problems.
Bacteria Removal
Regular brushing removes bacteria from your child's teeth. The bacteria that builds up in the mouth causes various dental problems, including bad breath. If the bacteria remains on the teeth, it turns to an acid that can damage the tooth enamel. Your child may end up with cavities that require filling at the dentist's office. A lack of brushing also contributes to dental diseases such as gingivitis, which can cause painful, red gums. A child with gum disease might have difficulty eating without pain.
Strong Baby Teeth
A child's primary or baby teeth are eventually replaced, but the health of these teeth still needs preservation. The enamel of baby teeth isn't as strong as permanent teeth, meaning they need more protection to prevent cavities and other problems. Strong teeth assist with chewing foods. Properly developed teeth also help children pronounce words correctly.
Permanent Tooth Development
Regular brushing from an early age helps a child develop strong and healthy permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth help the permanent teeth align properly with even spacing. Regular tooth brushing also keeps the permanent teeth start out healthy as they begin to erupt into the mouth. Helping your child brush his teeth from infancy on is essential to healthier permanent teeth when they begin to grow into the mouth around age 6.
Habit Development
Regular tooth brushing at a young age establishes the habit. A child with well-developed dental hygiene habits is more likely to continue those habits as she gets older. This helps her continue preventing cavities, gum disease and similar dental health problems as she becomes an adult. Early establishment of dental hygiene skills helps keep the smile and teeth bright and healthy for life.
