The most important oral hygiene habits to teach your child are the ones that ensure strong enamel.
As strong as this outer layer is, bad habits and diet can wear it away. Once that happens it doesn’t grow back. With the following tips, you can ensure your child maintains strong, protective enamel into adulthood.
1. Start Early
You might not see them at birth but 20 primary teeth are there and have been forming since the second trimester. Even before your baby starts teething, a damp cloth over your baby’s gums helps to remove bacteria that could be harmful.
2. When to Start Brushing
Once your baby is ready to brush, around three, you should begin brushing your child’s teeth with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Limit the paste to the size of a pea to minimize the amount being swallowed.
3. When to Start Flossing
Once your child’s teeth begin to touch, that’s when flossing should begin. In places the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach bacteria could cause the enamel to wear away. Begin the habit of brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day.
4. Keep A Balanced Food and Dental Diet
Foods with too much sugar and citrus that is high in acidity should be avoided. Bacteria feeds on sugar which then results in the acids that harm enamel. Encourage a healthy diet of lean nuts, proteins, fruits, and vegetables, and the enamel has a better chance of staying strong.
5. Visit Regularly
Your child’s first dental visit should happen around the first birthday. It’s an opportunity for a more thorough checkup and to start getting used to visiting the dentist on a regular basis. All you need to do is set up an appointment.