Oral care, such as visiting your child’s dentist and brushing at home, should start with the very first tooth that grows in your little one’s mouth. Why? Even though these teeth will eventually fall away, they can decay and cause many problems, including:
- Difficulty sleeping, eating and chewing
- Gum inflammation
- Painful teeth and gums
- Self-consciousness when talking and laughing
Qualified and Friendly Dentists for Kids in Calgary
At Marlborough Dental Centre, our qualified dentists provide comprehensive oral care for children, including dental checkups, extractions, and orthodontic treatment, to ensure your little one enjoys strong and healthy teeth for life.
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CONTACT OUR CALGARY KIDS DENTIST
3 Simple Oral Hygiene Tips For Children
Healthy gums and teeth are a critical part of your child’s overall well-being. By starting oral care early, you can keep your little one’s teeth and mouth healthy, preventing issues such as cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and even trouble concentrating in the classroom.
To help you start, here are 3 simple oral care tips for your child from our Calgary dentist:
1. Teach Good Dental Habits
Contrary to popular opinion, good oral habits are very important from the get-go with your child. Before your baby even has teeth, you can gently wash his/her gums using water on a baby toothbrush or even a soft washcloth.
Top Dental Hygiene Tips For Children
- When your child gets his/her first tooth, make sure to brush at least twice a day with an infant toothbrush and some water. No toothpaste is necessary unless recommended by your dentist.
- Start flossing when two of the teeth touch each other. If you aren’t sure of the proper technique, your dentist can show you how to care for your child’s teeth properly.
- If you brush and floss before bedtime, it’s easier to ensure your child doesn’t eat or drink anything except water until the next morning.
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Handle with care: During the early stages of tooth development, be especially gentle with your baby’s teeth and gums. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a very light touch. This will get your baby used to the feeling of the brush in his/her mouth and lets them learn that brushing is a pleasant experience, not something to be afraid of. |
2. Visit A Dentist Regularly
It is recommended that your child’s first visit to the dentist should be when they get their first tooth and NO later than age two. This first visit is very important and will allow your kid’s dentist to:
- Do an examination and look for any decay
- Assess your child’s bite, gum, and jaw
- Keep an eye out for any issues that may affect your child’s teeth or speech patterns
- Give you advice regarding your child’s at-home oral hygiene routine
After the first visit, you should schedule checkups with your child’s dentist at least every six months, unless you notice an urgent issue such as teeth grinding, mouth breathing, or a lisp.
3. Stick to a Good Diet and Avoid Sticky Foods
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to your child’s oral health is that what they eat will affect their teeth. Too many sugars, starches, and carbohydrates will increase their risk of tooth decay.
The main risk of decay? How long food particles stay on the teeth. That’s why it’s so important to avoid sticky foods when it comes to your child’s diet. Products such as jelly beans, honey, caramel, and even raisins will stick to the teeth and make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away.
Tip From Our Calgary Dentist: If your child does consume these types of food, make sure he/she brushes their teeth immediately afterward.
THE BEST AND WORST FOODS FOR YOUR CHILD’S DENTAL HEALTH
Call Today
To find out more about our comprehensive dental services for children and how our dentists can help ensure your little one’s teeth and gums stay healthy, visit us at 1141-3800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 2K2.
Alternatively, you can contact us at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
