How You Can Promote The Importance Of Oral Health In Children

1. Start early: Schedule the first dental visit by the child's first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth.

Early dental visits allow for monitoring of oral development and provide an opportunity for education on proper oral hygiene practices.

Encourage parents to prioritise dental care as an integral part of their child's overall health and well-being.

2. Establish Routine Oral Hygiene Practices: Teach children how to brush their teeth properly using fluoride toothpaste.

Incorporate flossing into their daily oral care routine to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth.

3. Lead by example: Parents serve as powerful role models for their children, influencing their attitudes and behaviours towards oral hygiene.

Demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to children, making oral care a shared family activity.

Prioritise your own oral health to set a positive example and reinforce the importance of maintaining healthy habits.

4. Promote balanced nutrition: Advocate for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium to support healthy teeth and gums.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, along with leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods, support the development of strong and healthy teeth.

Limit consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay and cavities.

Ensure your child drinks water if he or she eats sweets or some sugary drinks.

5. Utilise preventive measures: Consider the use of dental sealants and fluoride treatments to provide additional protection against tooth decay.

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities.

Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, particularly in high-risk individuals.

Inputs by: Dr. Amit Gupta, Senior Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida