Educating your child about oral care is crucial for their overall health, but many parents wonder when to start and how to make it effective. Dr Calista Gan, a dental surgeon from Kaizen Dental, shares some practical tips to help parents teach their little ones about good oral hygiene.
Children can start their oral care as soon as their first tooth emerge. Early oral care not only promotes a bright smile but also supports long-term health.
Q: At what age should a child begin their oral care routine?
A: It is recommended that parents start their child’s oral care as soon as the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. In fact, their first dental visit should also be scheduled the moment their first tooth appears. This is the first step to start good oral hygiene and help the child build a habit for brushing.
Q: What should parents get to help their child develop good dental habits?
A: Just a simple toothbrush and toothpaste will do the trick. They can also try using a water flosser or Waterpik. A water flosser is an easy alternative to regular flossing, especially when children find floss tricky to use. The water helps get rid of food and plaque in places a toothbrush cannot reach.
Q: What should parents do if their child falls asleep before brushing?
A: If a child has fallen asleep without brushing, parents can gently clean their teeth with a toothbrush or a wet cloth.
Q: Is it safe for children to use fluoride toothpaste?
A: Yes, children can use fluoride toothpaste, but it is best to start around two years of age. At this age, children are usually better at spitting out the toothpaste. Just use a small, pea-sized amount and supervise your child while brushing to ensure the toothbrush is used correctly.
Fluoride strengthens tooth surfaces and makes them more resistant to acid attacks which cause tooth decay. These effects control and prevent the development of tooth decay. (MY HEALTH Ministry of Health Malaysia, n.d.)
Q: How often should children visit the dentist for check-ups?
A: Ideally, children should visit the dentist once every six months, though an annual visit is also acceptable.
Q: How can parents best prepare their child for a dental visit?
A: Make the trip to the dentist enjoyable and avoid describing the visit in a way that might cause anxiety. Keep the experience light and positive! Healthy Teeth, Happy Kids!
Q: Do you have any additional tips for parents?
A: Scheduling dental visits with siblings, friends, or cousins can help. When children are accompanied by their peers of the same age group, it helps them to be more at ease during the dental visit.
Get your child started on healthy oral hygiene early! To kickstart your child’s oral journey, Kaizen Dental Sunway offers paediatric oral care services. You may reach out to them for your child’s dental appointment.
Dr Calista Gan
Dental Surgeon, Kaizen Dental Sunway