Teach Good Dental Habits in Childhood

In our dental clinic we give great importance to having good dental health and hygiene, that is why from our dental clinic in Oviedo today we want to share with you some tips to teach good dental habits in childhood.

In our dental clinic we give great importance to having good dental health and hygiene, that is why from our dental clinic in Oviedo today we want to share with you some tips to teach good dental habits in childhood.

For your child to enjoy good oral health, teach them good dental habits in childhood.

How should childhood cavities be prevented? When the first teeth appear, it is advisable not to sweeten the pacifier or let the child sleep with the bottle in their mouth. Afterwards, it is advisable to follow a Mediterranean diet to have healthy teeth, avoiding foods rich in sugar such as buns, sugary juices, sticky candies, carbonated or carbonated drinks...

When to start brushing your teeth? It is advisable to use a damp cleaning cloth to clean the gums after each feeding, when it is a baby. As soon as the first tooth appears – usually between 5 and 8 months of age – you can start using a soft toothbrush instead of the cloth for cleaning. From one year onwards, children should be familiar with brushing their teeth, allowing their parents to clean their teeth. It is advisable to educate children, from the age of two, to brush their teeth three times a day, after each meal, to create a habit. Initially, parental participation is essential until the child can do it correctly and autonomously.

At what age can they do it alone? From the age of 5, they are capable of brushing themselves, but it is still advisable for an adult to review the brushing at least once a day to ensure that it is cleaned correctly, and in this way any alteration that may appear can be observed.

What is the most correct brushing technique? The technique is not the most important thing, the fundamental thing is to brush with the necessary daily frequency, at least three times a day, preferably after each meal. It is very important that the child gets used to this habit from a young age and that he learns to do it on his own.

Regarding the way in which teeth should be brushed, children must be taught that it is essential to brush all parts of the teeth, the inside and outside sides, without forgetting the back teeth. They should be brushed from the root and with a vertical or circular movement towards the edge of the tooth. You also have to teach them to clean their gums and tongue . You can complete the cleaning with dental floss. It is essential that parents set a good example and even brush their teeth together. It must be taken into account that children like to imitate the behavior of their parents.

Is molar sealing effective? Definitely. Children who have their molars covered by a sealant are less likely to develop cavities than children who do not have a sealant used. Sealants are the coatings in the grooves of the surfaces of the molars and are intended to prevent the acid attack of the bacterial plaque that promotes the formation of cavities in the grooves of the surfaces of the molars, preventing their filtration and the corresponding demineralization of the tooth.

Is fluoridation recommended? It is advisable to apply fluoride every time children go for a check-up. Fluoridation serves to strengthen tooth enamel by reducing its permeability and making it more difficult for bacteria to cause cavities. Additionally, fluoride also helps repair the initial stages of cavities before they become visible. Although fluoride is beneficial at all ages, its application provides greater benefits in children.

Can gum problems be prevented at an early age? The main cause of the appearance of gum problems at an early age is the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and gums, mainly when dental hygiene is not maintained. If the plaque is not removed, inflammation occurs in the gum and, therefore, their retraction. Therefore, it is essential that children brush after each meal to remove plaque.

How often should the child go for a check-up?

It is important to go for periodic check-ups to prevent possible cavities or malformations. It is advisable that at one year old, the child go to the dentist to evaluate their dental development and in this first consultation, develop a preventive plan for the future.