Three steps to developing healthy dental hygiene for your toddler

Developing early oral habits for children is a very necessary job. However, many parents have difficulty in this matter. Here are three steps to develop healthy dental hygiene for your toddler.

Start early

Start a dental routine before your baby has a toothy grin. Starting early is always easy and helps to shape the habit from the subconscious.

Before they even have teeth, wipe their gums with damp gauze or cloth once a day to prevent bacteria from building up and harming teeth when they push through.

This will help your baby get used to the idea of something being in their mouth and the brushing movement. You can also let them gnaw on a teething toothbrush to help your child get used to the toothbrush concept while easing teething discomfort.

Once your baby has teeth -- even just a lone soldier tooth -- brush their teeth and gums twice a day. Some babies have trouble accepting a toothbrush, so continue with gauze or cloth until they are ready. Note: you don’t need toothpaste until you know your child won’t swallow it.

Parents should also bring their baby to the dentist early to familiarize them. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth.

Create a routine

Create a routine by by being consistent with daily dental care and taking your child to the dentist every six months. No exceptions, no ifs, no buts, just do it, to ensure your baby does not quit halfway.

Parents need to be patient at this stage. The fact is that you will brush your baby for a while, and then you will supervise brushing for a longer time until he or she can do it yourself.

Make it fun

Make brushing teeth - a boring job- more fun with your baby by smiling, singing a song, making funny noises, or doing anything that makes your baby feel relaxed while brushing.

You can also use the timer to teach your baby about patience. Depending on your baby's preferences, choose a suitable method to make his/her feel that brushing is also fun and not boring.

Source: Carefree Dental

My Hang