Dental Hygiene for Kids

Dental hygiene for kids is an issue that affects all other aspects of their lives, but parents often underestimate it. Oral and dental hygiene for kids is a gateway to the health of the whole body, and many systemic diseases may initially be caused by improper dental care. Dental hygiene for kids is as important as the health and development of other parts of their bodies if not more important. In fact, Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in kids.

The Importance of Dental Hygiene for Kids

Helping children develop healthy habits for dental hygiene is very important during this time. Because these habits can provide the basis for oral health care throughout life. Dental hygiene for kids can solve many problems caused by or related to teeth, including gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Parents should encourage their children to follow these habits at an early age and help them enjoy the benefits throughout their lives.

To appreciate the importance of dental hygiene for kids, let’s take a look at the following statistics:

·        One out of ten two-year-olds has one or more cavities;

·        By the age of three, approximately 28% of kids have one or more cavities;

·        At the age of five, almost half of them have one or more cavities.

Many parents think that this cavity or decay problem in baby teeth is not important because they will disappear anyway. But this is not true. Improper dental hygiene for kids and decay of deciduous teeth can negatively affect permanent teeth and lead to serious problems in the future.

Every year, tooth decay in kids increases by ten percent compared to the previous year. But the thing is that you should not have to worry about this problem because this decay is almost completely preventable. Poor dental hygiene for kids is associated with poor school performance, poor social relationships, and less success in the future. Raising awareness and improving access to dental care, can greatly improve children’s oral health

Why Promote Dental Hygiene for Kids?

Did you know that the most common chronic disease in kids is tooth decay? In fact, it is five times more common than asthma. Tooth decay is a disease that damages the structure of the tooth and this damage often leads to cavities. Therefore, dental hygiene for kids is essential to prevent cavities from forming during childhood.

The development of proper dental hygiene is the first line of defense against common problems such as plaque, cavities, gum disease, and halitosis.

Plaque: Plaque is a white substance that forms when food mixes with bacteria and saliva in the mouth and sticks to the teeth. Proper oral hygiene can help loosen and eliminate plaques.

Tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs when small holes or cavities are made in the tooth. The main culprit is plaque rot, especially when sugar comes in contact with bacteria in your mouth. Keeping your teeth clean can prevent plaque and tooth decay.

Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection or inflammation of the gums around the teeth. Unhealthy gums are exposed to plaque and cause inflammation. Plaque removal can prevent inflammation and gum disease.

Halitosis: Halitosis is a technical term for bad breath. The cause of this problem can be unhealthy plaque accumulation and inflammation or infection of the gums. But dental hygiene for kids can definitely help.

Teaching children proper oral health techniques is very important for their health, and if this hygiene is implemented from an early age, serious problems will be prevented in the future.

Facts About Dental Hygiene for Kids

About half of 8-year-olds have visible signs of cavities on their teeth. This is undoubtedly an astonishing fact, but it can be prevented with the right actions. Ensuring that children brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes is the first step in preventing tooth decay.

Note that maintaining good dental hygiene for kids is not expensive at all. The cost of a tube of toothpaste is very low, so no excuse is accepted for 21% of children in low-income families with severe tooth decay.

Some so-called healthy drinks have more sugar than you may think they do. Sugary juices have been found to cause most teeth decay. Therefore, parents can replace these juices with milk from time to time to maintain better dental hygiene for kids and prevent tooth decay.

According to global statistics, four out of every five children see dentists regularly. This is a good start, but the statistics should go even higher. Especially in some countries where this treatment is free for children.

The proportion of children with plaques and tooth decay has decreased by ten percent over the past ten years. At this rate, there is hope that fewer kids will have to suffer from such problems in the future. But to do this, there must be a regular routine for children’s oral health.

Only half of our kids brush their teeth twice a day. The role of parents, schools, and kindergartens in highlighting the importance of dental hygiene for kids from an early age, has a significant impact on dental care. It is important for children to receive the correct messages about dental health.

One in seven children has “severe” tooth decay. Think of the word “severe” for a moment. This situation is really difficult and can cause kids a lot of pain and possible shame. Setting a daily oral health routine at an early age can help build healthy attitudes toward dental health and combat the problem of severe tooth decay in kids.

The earlier children are introduced to dentists, the more relaxed they will be around them. Children can sense the fear in their parents, and one in seven adults who suffers from tooth-related anxiety instills this fear in their kids as well. For this reason, in order to show the children that there is no fear, you should take them to the dental clinic as soon as possible and from an early age, so that they can get acquainted with this procedure.

All baby teeth should appear by the age of two and a half. You need to take care of the situation and seek the help and advice of a dentist when you feel the child is ready. Your children will definitely thank you later for having a good dental hygiene program and having amazing and healthy teeth at a young age.

Bad teeth can prevent your children from smiling and laughing. Certainly, this can be very frustrating. Statistics show that one in three 12-year-olds is embarrassed to smile because of the condition of their teeth. Can you imagine a time when your child can not smile easily because of their teeth? This is a matter of concern and appropriate dental hygiene for kids needs to be designed as a routine to prevent such conditions.

Daily Dental Hygiene Routine

Dental hygiene for kids on a daily basis should include the following:

Brushing: Kids should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two full minutes. Also, remember to change your kid’s toothbrush every three months.

Flossing: Floss after each brushing. Flossing is helpful in preventing the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

Disinfect your mouth with mouthwash: Rinsing with mouthwash, in addition to getting rid of small pieces of food, is a universal way to keep your kids’ gums healthy.

Another important aspect of dental hygiene for kids is that their mouths should be free of anything that contains germs, including dirty hands or toys. It is also a good idea to encourage your kid not to share food and drinks at school with other children.

As a parent, you have the power and responsibility to make a positive impact on your kid’s health. By understanding the principles and using the guidelines about dental hygiene for kids that we discussed here, you can start making the necessary changes to your children’s oral health from today. Keep in mind that promoting healthy practices is not only a great way to keep your child healthy, but it also shows that you care about your child’s happiness.