Did you know that before we had the modern version of toothpaste, humans went to great lengths to keep their teeth clean using a whole array of different products, including crushed oyster shells, ground chalk, charcoal, tree bark, soap and salt?
Knowing that makes our tidy tubes of toothpaste feel incredibly civilized, right?
We’ve come a long way in dental care, and our knowledge about oral hygiene is something that’s important to pass along to our kids, so that they can develop healthy habits from the earliest days. This month is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so it’s a good time to brush up—literally—on the basics and make sure you and your kids are doing what’s best for your pearly whites. Here’s a primer to make sure you’re got your family’s oral health habits dialed in.
-
Dental care starts early. In fact, good oral hygiene habits start before teeth come in. A parent or caregiver should wipe a baby’s gums using a soft, clean cloth or gauze in the morning after the first feeding and at night before bed. This will get rid of sugar and bacteria that could cause problems.
-
A child’s first dental appointment should come after they get their first tooth, or before their first birthday. At that first appointment, the dentist can evaluate your child’s oral health and offer personalized advice that can help prevent cavities. Before the visit, be sure to read positive books and watch fun videos that prepare your child for what’s ahead. Visit American Dental Association (ADA) to learn more about your baby’s first dentist visit.
-
When the kid’s teeth come in, brush twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush and just a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, until they’re 3 years old. Then, from age 3 to 6, use a pea-size portion of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to teach them to spit the toothpaste out after brushing. Learn more here from the ADA.
-
Make brushing fun. Let the kids choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste, for starters, so they have an active role in their dental health. Then include music, dancing and/or stories in your daily brushing routine. The ADA has some tips here that will keep brushing from feeling like a chore.
-
Don’t forget to floss. As soon as kids have two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing at least once a day according to the ADA. To clean between the teeth, you can use dental floss, tiny brushes or a water flosser. Flossing is something parents will need to help kids with until they have the coordination to do it themselves, usually around 10 or 11 years old.
-
Choose foods that boost oral health. Brushing and flossing are just one part of the dental health routine. A healthy diet is also an essential habit for a healthy mouth. For that, the ADA recommends lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and calcium-rich items like cheese, milk and yogurt. In particular, make sure sugary treats are just that—treats. Kids tend to love sugar (who doesn’t?) so it’s up to their parents and guardians to limit sweet, sticky foods and make healthy options available instead. When kids do eat sweet items such as candy and even dried fruit, the American Academy of Pediatrics says they should brush their teeth soon after. Otherwise, those sugary treats could increase the risk of cavities.
Good dental habits start early. When teaching your kids the importance of oral health, it’s helpful to lead by example. Brush and floss your teeth alongside children when they’re young, and be sure that you, too, see the dentist at least once a year for a cleaning and exam.
