How to Help Children Care for their Teeth 

Our children still don’t fully understand the value of caring for their teeth. They might still be unfamiliar with toothache, tooth staining and gum disease. As a result, they might fail to take care of their teeth on their own. 

Our job as adults is to guide and teach them about proper oral care. This way, at an early age, they will start to form a healthy habit. This will spare them from costly and painful dental treatments through the years. In addition, this will also help maintain their confidence because their teeth and gums will always look normal and healthy whenever they smile. 

Helping children care for their teeth 

For babies or before their first birthday, as they still can’t clean their gums or teeth on their own, we have to carry out the task of cleaning their teeth by: 

• Gently wiping their gums twice a day, in the morning after feeding and before bedtime, using a soft and clean cloth. This is to remove some of the bacteria from the gums. 
• When the first sets of teeth are already out, we can help them brush their teeth with a soft- and small-bristled toothbrush 

By our children’s first birthday, it’s good to take them to the dentist to spot any potential oral problems. This is to help ensure that our children undergo proper oral development. It’s also the case when our children’s first tooth or baby teeth come out. A timely dental check-up can spare them from unnecessary toothaches and other problems. 

At about age 3 or 4, our children might already be capable of brushing their teeth on their own. It’s good to teach them the correct practices as the habit might become permanent. We can show them the following practices: 

• Using only a pea-sized dab of toothpaste 
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush 
• Brushing gently the inside surface of each tooth 
• Brushing gently the teeth’s chewing surfaces 
• Brushing behind each front tooth 
• Brushing the tongue 

The goal is to brush all areas and do it gently. 

When it comes to flossing, we can do it for our children if they’re 4 to 7. By age 8, they can start to floss by themselves. 

The above recommendations might apply fully depending on your child’s oral health. For specific and tailored recommendations, it’s good to visit a paediatric dentist. These specialists in children’s dentistry can help ensure that your child will undergo proper oral development.