Kids do not always realize why it is important to take good care of their teeth. As an adult, you know that this is in fact very important and that how they care for their teeth now will affect how strong and healthy their teeth and gums are in the future. Even though kids might not realize all this or even care about it, you can still encourage them to clean their teeth regularly. The first thing you need to do is show kids how to clean their teeth properly. For small kids, you can even do this for them to show them how.
If a child develops problems with his baby teeth and gums as a child, it will most likely carry on into adulthood. Baby teeth not only serve as temporary teeth but also help develop gums and create the proper spacing needed for a healthy mouth in the future.
The health of your child's teeth depends on you and your actions during his formative years. Establish good teeth-brushing habits early and be a good role model for your child. Make dental hygiene an important part of your routine from his first days, and he will naturally continue them into adulthood. Oral care can and should begin shortly after birth. Even though a newborn baby doesn't have teeth, you can start cleaning her gums with a soft cloth that has been dipped in water. You can also purchase a
electric toothbrush for your child. Starting early will help your infant grow accustomed to brushing, and once teeth erupt, you will be cutting down on tooth decay.
For children older than preschool, conduct a demonstration on how fluoride can protect teeth. Again, you'll need a few eggs. Take one bottle of fluoride rinse, two eggs, one small bottle of vinegar and three containers. Fill two of the containers with enough vinegar to cover the eggs. Then fill one with the fluoride solution. Soak one egg in the fluoride solution for at least five minutes. Then take the untreated egg and the soaked egg and place each into one of the vinegar containers. Have the children note which egg begins to bubble and which does not. Be sure and explain the acidity in vinegar and how it relates to the decaying effects of sugar and other foods, including sodas.
Finally, your child should begin twice-yearly dental visits. The first visits will be simple checkups, tooth counting and a mild cleaning, but as your child grows, they will become more involved. Some dentists also offer optional fluoride treatments at every visit. Visiting the dentist early on will help your child become accustomed to the office and the dentist checking out her teeth.
