Happy Smiles: Keep Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy at Every Age

While every age group has unique dental needs, three key things at every age are diet, dental care and a good example. Learning about and implementing these in your home sets the stage for healthy teeth.

• Healthy, Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is a key component to healthy teeth and development. Consider the unique needs for this at each age.
• Dental Care: Make regular dental care at home and the dentist’s office part of your child’s routine health visits. Stay consistent. If you get off track, get back on as soon as possible.
• Lead by Example: Show your children good oral hygiene habits by practicing them yourself. Kids often mimic their parents, so demonstrating proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits sets a positive example.

For each age group, keep specific considerations in mind to keep teeth healthy.

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Babies – Set a Strong Foundation

Healthy teeth start before you can see them. When you lay a foundation of healthy oral hygiene with your baby, you develop habits and routines that you and your child will use for a lifetime.

Three key things in the baby stage:

• Start Early with Oral Hygiene: Even before the first tooth arrives, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. Once teeth start to emerge, use an infant toothbrush and water to clean them twice a day. As more teeth come in, you can begin using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Monitor Eating Habits: Be mindful of what your baby consumes. Avoid giving them sugary drinks or snacks, especially before bedtime. Even natural sugars in fruits and juices can contribute to tooth decay if left on the teeth for too long. Opt for water between meals and limit sticky or sugary foods, especially in the first year.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: It’s not too early! Schedule your baby’s first dental visit around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Regular check-ups help monitor dental development and allow the dentist to identify any potential issues early on.

Remember, setting a good oral hygiene routine early on lays the foundation for healthy teeth and gums as your child grows.

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Toddlers – Supervision

The toddler years are ripe with the quest for independence. While this is a great thing, it is important that you monitor things when it comes to healthy teeth. You can give them choices like picking a flavor of toothpaste or choosing between snacks to encourage their independence while still supervising them.

Three key things in the toddler years:

• Supervise Brushing: While kids may think they can do it themselves, they still need your help. Encourage your toddler to brush their teeth but ensure that you supervise and assist until they’re around 6 to 7 years old. Use a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and make brushing teeth a fun and engaging activity. You can use colorful toothbrushes or play their favorite song to make it more enjoyable.
• Balanced Diet: Offer a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while minimizing sugary snacks and drinks. If your toddler does consume sugary foods or drinks, try to limit them to meal times and encourage water as the primary drink between meals.
• Practice Good Habits: Teach your toddler good oral hygiene habits, such as rinsing with water after consuming sugary foods or drinks and avoiding constant snacking. Also, discourage habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, as these can affect dental alignment.

Making dental care a routine part of your toddler’s day helps instill lifelong practices for maintaining healthy teeth.

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School Age – Be Consistent

Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when establishing these habits. While many kids in this stage can brush and floss independently, it is still good to check in and make sure they are doing it properly.

Three essential tips for school-age kids:

• Emphasize Consistent Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste and teach them proper brushing techniques, emphasizing the importance of reaching all tooth surfaces. Flossing should also be a part of their daily routine, helping to remove plaque and debris from between teeth.
• Encourage Healthy Snacking: Encourage nutritious snacks and meals that support dental health. Limit sugary snacks and encourage them to opt for tooth-friendly options like fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt and nuts. Water is the best primary drink. Keep sugary or acidic beverages to a minimum.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule dental check-ups every six months. Consistently visiting the dentist can help in the early detection of any dental issues and allow the dentist to provide guidance on proper oral care.

Consistency and a balanced approach to diet and dental care are key factors in maintaining healthy teeth for school-age children.

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Teens – Protect for a Lifetime

While you may think that teens can handle their dental health, there are some things to keep in mind. There may be times when teens don’t manage their dental health as well as you would like, but stick with it. These habits will help protect them for a lifetime.

Three factors for teens:

• Continue Oral Hygiene Routine: Encourage your teenager to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash if recommended by their dentist. Also, stay consistent with routine dental cleaning.
• Monitor Diet and Habits: Teens tend to have more freedom in their food choices. Encourage them to make tooth-friendly choices by minimizing sugary snacks, sodas and acidic foods/drinks. Water is always the best choice for hydration and overall dental health. Also, discourage habits like smoking or excessive consumption of staining beverages (like coffee or tea) that can negatively impact oral health.
• Protect Teeth During Activities: If your teen participates in sports or activities where there’s a risk of dental injury (like contact sports), ensure they wear a mouthguard. This helps prevent injuries to their teeth, gums and jaw.

Teens might be more independent, but helping them understand the long-term benefits of good oral hygiene and habits can set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

We All Get Off Track

It’s natural to get off track sometimes. When that happens, whether it’s a day, weeks or longer, start by focusing on consistent brushing and dental cleanings. Those two things will get you back on track to happy smiles for years to come.