Did you know that 16.9 percent of children between 5-19 years old have untreated dental decay? Help prevent this by encouraging your kids to focus on their oral care.

Are you looking for tips on dental care for kids? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over dental hygiene tips.

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1. Brush Your Baby’s Gums and Teeth

Decent oral care can start before your baby’s teeth grow. After you feed your child, wipe your baby’s gums with a baby toothbrush or soft washcloth. Don’t use any toothpaste.

When the first tooth does appear, you should brush their teeth for a few minutes twice a day. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a small dab of non-fluoridated toothpaste.

When your baby is 12 months, you will want to try and prevent plaque buildup. The plaque will cause tooth decay over time.

Ask your pediatrician when you can bring your child to a dentist. Most people will bring their baby to the dentist before their first birthday.

2. Oral Care for Toddlers and Young Kids

Children over two years old can use fluoridated toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste will help prevent decay as their teeth develop. Encourage your child to brush their teeth without your help.

Do your kids forget to brush their teeth and floss? Consider setting up a fun routine at bedtime to encourage them with their dental hygiene.

Create a chart for their bedtime tasks. You can add things other than their oral care. Write down things like putting their toys and clothing away.

When they complete the task, leave stickers nearby so they can stick them to the chart. You can help your child create healthy habits.

Along with their checklist, you could offer a chance to get a reward after completing tasks a week in a row.

You could reward them and provide positive reinforcement when they brush without reminders. Give them a sugar-free treat or head to their favorite playground.

3. See a Pediatric Dentist

Research online and find pediatric dentists who specialize in working with kids. There will be play areas and toys that kids can use to relax. Look online and look for local periodontal services.

You’ll want to head to see the dentist at least every six months. This way, your child can have a checkup and routine cleaning.

You will help your child get used to seeing the dentist and maintain their oral care. Soon, they will be comfortable with the dentist.

4. Educate Your Kids

Try to make oral health, fun, and educational. See what tactics work best for your kids. Adopt a routine that will keep them focused on their oral care.

Kids are quite savvy with technology. You can look online and find an app where kids can learn more about oral care.

Your children will ask you questions about oral care. Explain why it’s essential to brush and floss teeth.

5. Lead by Example

Don’t ask your kid to maintain certain habits if you don’t. Model good oral care each day. Floss, brush your teeth, and eat nutritious food.

Most children will learn behaviors and practices from their parents. You can show them these positive behaviors by letting them into the bathroom in the morning.

6. Help Your Child Remain Independent

Your children will maintain their oral care if they feel ownership. Let them pick out their toothless, toothbrush, and rinsing cups. They will feel more excited about tooth brushing.

You can get toothbrushes that have cartoon characters on them or flavored toothpaste.

Consider buying electric or manual toothbrushes. Let them pick out their toothbrush. They can find one that has a cute print or favorite character on it.

7. Pick up Floss for Kids

You can get flossing products for your kids. There’s a water flosser that has many different settings. Your child will have fun with this gadget but also clean their teeth thoroughly.

There’s also fruity flavored floss like mango or strawberry floss that your kids can try. Some dental flossers come in fun shapes like dragons and dinosaurs.

8. Write a Song About Dental Hygiene

When brushing teeth, try and make it a game for your younger kids. Another fun way to encourage good oral care is to create a tooth brushing song. Make up a song about dental care and why it’s essential.

9. Limit Unhealthy Foods

Try and limit candy, juices, and sugary foods in your home. Treats like gummy candy, roll-ups, or fruit leather are full of sugar.

If your child does eat something like this, make sure they brush their teeth right away. This way, they can wash away the sugar and avoid cavities.

You’ll also want to limit the number of citrus fruits they eat. Grapefruits and oranges are healthy, but they are acidic fruits. Over time, acid can erode tooth enamel.

Try to maintain the rule of thumb that you and your kids should eat things in moderation. Citrus fruits don’t have to be off-limits but don’t eat too many of them.

Dried fruits are sticky and less nutritious than real fruit. They can also get stuck between your kid’s teeth. Make this snack a rare one, and instead, stock your kitchen with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Now You Know More About Dental Care for Kids

We hope you found this guide on oral care helpful. Dental care for kids can seem difficult at times, but don’t give up. Provide nutritious meals, and encourage regular flossing and teeth brushing.

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