Parents know how important it is to take care of their teeth. Children who are neglected, or who do not receive enough attention when they are young, often develop habits and ailments as they get older. Taking care of teeth is especially critical for children because they can experience much more damage than an adult simply because their mouths are more vulnerable. As a child gets older, the risks become greater because the teeth are more susceptible to decay, and the nerves in the mouth are more sensitive to damage.
You should brush your kids’ teeth twice each day. This will help prevent cavities and give them good dental hygiene. When brushing, make sure that kids always brush from the bottom up and on the sides. This helps keep foods and bacteria out of the reach of the teeth and gums. Ideally, kids should be taught to brush their teeth daily.
There are some benefits for kids to have healthy oral health. Poor oral health is associated with higher rates of dental complications and gum disease. Kids who have gaps between their teeth or gingivitis are more likely to experience poor oral health later in life. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent serious diseases and disorders that affect the gums and oral cavity.
Dentists agree that it is important to brush teeth and gums every day. They also agree that kids should brush their teeth at least twice per day – first before lunch and then again before bedtime. The goal is to create a “bacterial-free” environment so that oral bacteria cannot grow. Brushing will remove plaque, a whitish film that develops between teeth and gums, and other bacteria that may have stuck on teeth and gums. Plaque can encourage tooth decay bacteria to grow rapidly, which can lead to cavities, pain, and inflammation.
Keeping your teeth and gums in good health is very important. You can help by not smoking or chewing hard candy or ice cream, as these can stimulate the secretion of plaque. Brushing and flossing regularly will help keep your mouth free of bacteria. Periodontal disease is linked to bad eating habits and improper dental care. Therefore, if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
There are many ways to brush and floss. Kids should use a regular old toothbrush, which has a head made out of soft natural bristles like animal hair. Food particles get stuck between the teeth, which can get trapped by the stiff bristles of the toothbrush. To clean up the food particles that get stuck, you should rinse your mouth with mouthwash, preferably one that is designed to kill germs. This type of mouthwash has antibacterial properties that can get rid of any bacteria lingering on the toothbrush and floss.
Children under the age of eight should use a special toothbrush called a “child’s brush” that has soft bristles, as a regular adult brush would have more bristles than a child’s brush. If children frequently have gum infections and bad breath, their dentist may recommend a special brush that contains a mouthwash. The mouthwash will kill any bacteria and prevent the buildup of tartar on teeth and gums.
Another great way to take care of your gums and teeth is with a special oral health balm that you apply to your mouth before brushing. Oral balms work by soaking up any oils that are left behind after brushing and flossing. After applying the balm, you will not be able to brush or floss without first wiping the balm from your mouth. These types of oral balms also have a tendency to strengthen and tighten the gums. Other types of oral health balms contain stronger ingredients that can help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and some forms of cancer.