A child's dental care plays a very important role in preventing oral health problems in future. Children tend to learn from their parents, hence it is important that parents teach good oral habits to their children at a young age, experts suggest.
Parents are advised to get their child's dental check up done six months after the first teeth appears or at the age of one. "Childhood dental decay is largely preventable, and taking your child to see a dentist at an early age is the best way to prevent future oral health problems," Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Dr. R. Claire Campbell said in an academy news release, reports Medical Xpress. "This will instill positive behaviors that will result in a lifetime of good oral health."
According to Oral Health in America report, 51 million school hours are missed due to dental related problems annually. Nearly 28 percent of children between the ageos of 2 and 5 years old and 58 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 15 years old in the U.S. are affected by tooth decay, according to a Dentistry Today report.
February is marked as the National Children's Dental Health month. Experts have suggested few simple tips, if followed regularly can prevent major oral health problems in the future.
Here are a few dental care tips:
* Parents should start brushing child's teeth twice every day for two minutes as the first tooth erupts, using a soft bristled, small toothbrush and water. Before using toothpaste or mouthwash, parents are advised to check with dentist and also see if their child can spit out the mouthwash.
* Flossing is very important in maintaining good gums and avoids tooth decay. Children should be taught the correct way of flossing at an early age so they tend to continue the habit as they grow.
* Avoid excessive use of pacifiers and fingers, they misalign the growth of teeth.
* Avoid children falling asleep while feeding on bottle milk or any liquids containing added flavors. This can lead to cavity building due to the sugar content in the liquids.
* Giving kids fluoridated water can help in the prevention of tooth decay. Fluoride supplements are also available if the neighborhood does not supply fluoridated water.
Campbell suggested that teaching children how to brush is by letting them watch and learn.
"Allow your child to watch you brush your teeth to teach the importance of good oral hygiene," he said.
