Up to half of all children under five have tooth decay, reports the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, learn why and how to protect your children’s teeth.
What Causes Oral Hygiene Problems?
Lack of personal dental care and dental exams contributes to oral hygiene problems in kids. Addressing these challenges can equip children with strong oral health habits and protect their teeth for years to come.
Why is Oral Hygiene Important?
Children must take care of their teeth to prevent bacteria growth, bad breath, plaque, and other issues. Poor oral hygiene can cause pain and chewing difficulties, too.
Kids can develop cavities, swollen gums, and inflammation. Left untreated, these concerns can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, loose teeth, and in some cases may contribute to other health problems.
Also, reports show that kids lose more than 51 million school hours each year because of dental problems. Missed school affects academic performance, socialization, and self-esteem.
How to Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Start early and teach young children good oral hygiene habits. By wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after meals, you prepare your child to accept a toothbrush.
Once your child’s teeth erupt, brush with a soft toothbrush twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
Introduce flossing when teeth start to touch, which often happens by age three. Show your children how you floss and help them learn the right technique.
Your child’s first dental visit should occur around the time their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Most dental insurance plans for children cover regular check-ups twice a year.
During your child’s dental check-up, a pediatric dentist will clean teeth and check for issues like cavities. You can also use the check-ups to get recommendations for better oral hygiene care. For related insurance topics, see Dental Laboratories Insurance.
Sometimes toddlers and children resist brushing. Encourage good habits with games: get a toothbrush that plays music, challenge your child to brush until the sand in a two-minute timer runs out, or watch a short video while brushing.
Finally, choose healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables and avoid sugary sodas and juice beverages. These selections build strong teeth and reduce exposure to sugar, which erodes enamel and can cause cavities.
Good oral hygiene starts at home. If you run activities for children, you may also want to review liability and safety resources such as Children's Camps Insurance: Safeguarding Adventures.
This February, celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month because it’s important for your children’s health now and into the future. For more information, talk to your dentist or talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start cleaning my baby’s mouth?
Begin wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings and before teeth erupt to establish a routine.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Most guidelines recommend a first visit by the first birthday and routine check-ups every six months unless the dentist advises otherwise.
When should I teach my child to floss?
Introduce flossing once your child’s teeth begin to touch, which commonly occurs around age three, and assist until they can floss well alone.
What snacks are better for my child’s teeth?
Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and water instead of sugary snacks and drinks to help protect enamel and prevent cavities.