Dental Hygiene Tips: Good dental care begins before a baby’s first tooth appears. It is essential that proper oral hygiene routines are established in the early years of life. This ensures a strong and healthy dental foundation in children. Choosing the right set of products for your little ones is very important. As a parent with an increasing number of products, you must choose the most effective product according to your child’s needs. Starting a good oral regimen at the right age is very important as it will help reduce or prevent cavities later on.Also Read – How Cancer Treatment Affects Your Teeth and Gums, and Ways to Maintain Oral Hygiene – The Doctor Speaks!
There are 4 things to keep in mind when buying dental products for children
1. Fluoride content
Fluoride is important for strengthening tooth enamel. It also helps reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay and protects us from cavities. However, you should only use fluoride toothpaste for children above three years of age. If your child is under three years of age, you should use fluoride-free toothpaste. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used to brush the teeth.
2. Taste
Brushing teeth with flavored toothpaste is fun for kids. It is important to choose a toothpaste that your youngster likes. Children are more likely to brush their teeth if they like the taste of their toothpaste.
3. Toothbrush bristles
The toothbrush should fit comfortably in the child’s mouth. Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles to be gentle on the teeth and gums. A small head toothbrush will ensure cleaning down to the last molar.
4. Flossing
Cleaning the bowels is as important as brushing the teeth. Flossing should begin when your child’s two teeth are touching each other. This will help remove the plaque and debris stuck between the teeth.
You should follow the age range guidelines on the product pack to choose the product that best suits your child. Regular visits to the dentist are another important way to keep a little smile healthy.
By Viren Khullar
(The authors are the Director of STIM Oral Care)
