Top Mistakes to Avoid When Its Oral Hygiene Time

When it comes to kids’ oral hygiene, parents aren’t getting an A+. There’s more work to be done in ensuring that the little ones keep their mouth cavity free and have healthy smiles. Take a look at the common mistakes parents make when caring for kids’ teeth.

Rushing the process

When kids brush their teeth and for how long matters. Rushing the brushing process not only affects kids’ oral health but also sets the wrong example for their long-term oral health practices.

A good rule is to brush your kids’ teeth for two minutes so that each tooth gets the care it deserves. If your kids brush their own teeth, guide them on spending time brushing each tooth along their gum line.

Flossing, an essential part of caring for kids’ teeth, should begin when your little one has two teeth that touch. Introduce it early to help form a habit and make it easier for your kids to transition to flossing by themselves.

A morning and bedtime brushing regimen are insufficient to prevent cavities; trips to the children’s dentist are also necessary. Get your kids into the groove of brushing their teeth after they’ve had bananas, raisins, or sticky, sugar-filled snacks. Now, this will take effort. Getting kids to brush twice a day in itself is a task. You may want to give in as well to their pleading and whining. Don’t. It would be best to put your foot down when it comes to your kids’ dental health.

Using the wrong tools and oral hygiene products

Are your kids’ oral hygiene aids helping them maintain healthy teeth and gums? Not using tools appropriate for their age group can impact their oral health. It’s a good idea to ask your children’s dentist for recommendations on oral hygiene products. Here are the basics to get started.

Clean your baby’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as their first tooth appears, use an age-appropriate toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Once your kids are 3-6 years old, increase to a pea-shaped amount.

Leaving a child unsupervised

Kids under six lack the motor skills to brush their teeth effectively. An essential aspect of caring for kids’ teeth is assisting them until they’re able to do it correctly on their own. Give them instructions along the way, such as spitting out excess toothpaste after brushing.

There are teaching methods to help kids master the skill. One is to let them brush their teeth in the morning, and you brush their teeth at night until they’ve got the hang of it perfectly.

Not scheduling a dental checkup and dental cleaning

Many parents need help understanding how much dental care their children need. As a result, they delay taking them to the dentist, and consequently, their kids’ oral hygiene suffers.

You should see a children’s dentist by your child’s first birthday. A checkup every six months is recommended to prevent cavities and keep up kids’ oral health.

The health of your children’s teeth, gums, and mouth affects their overall health and, with age, their emotional well-being. The good news is that cavities and dental problems are preventable so long as your kids’ baby teeth and permanent teeth get the proper care. Avoid common mistakes on kids’ oral health and replace them with best practices, starting today!