Teach Him from a Young Age to Brush His Teeth! It’s Vital for His Health!

You may not know, but many preschoolers, and even younger children, face the problem of cavities. Some studies have revealed that one in ten two-year-olds already has one or more cavities, and by the age of three, 28% of children have one or more cavities. Later, by the age of five, almost 50% of children have one or more cavities. At the root of this problem is also the negligent behavior of parents. Many believe it doesn’t matter if the little one has already developed cavities because their teeth will fall out anyway. This is just a myth. Tooth damage will affect the condition of permanent teeth and lead to future dental problems.

Teach the child good dental habits

The best way to protect the child’s teeth is through the so-called . The sooner the child adopts good oral hygiene as part of their daily routine, the more beneficial it is for dental health. However, no matter how enthusiastic the little one is, they still lack the control or concentration needed to brush their teeth independently, which is why you will need to supervise and assist them, ensuring that each brushing removes as much plaque as possible, those soft and sticky deposits full of bacteria that accumulate on teeth, causing cavities. Also, consider any brown or white spots that might indicate early tooth decay.

Correct tooth brushing

From the moment the child already has a tooth, you will need to clean their mouth twice a day, possibly using a small amount of toothpaste and a small-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. There are numerous toothbrushes designed to meet the different needs of children of all ages, so parents must be careful in choosing the appropriate toothbrush. You are likely to hear all sorts of advice on how to perform correct tooth brushing – whether from top to bottom, in circular motions, or back and forth. The truth is that the direction of the movements doesn’t matter, but rather cleaning each tooth thoroughly, both the upper and lower teeth, as well as the inner and outer parts. Some children focus more on what is visible, namely the front teeth. Here, you will need to help and supervise them constantly. Moreover, a child cannot brush their teeth without assistance until the age of six to eight years.

Amount of toothpaste

Already when the child is three years old, you can start using an amount of toothpaste that helps prevent cavities. If the little one shows signs of disliking , you can opt for another flavor. Also, it would be good to teach your child not to swallow . Over time, you will teach them how to rinse their mouth and spit out the toothpaste. When a child swallows too much fluoride toothpaste, permanent teeth may have white or brown spots.

See also – with the help of which brushing teeth becomes a playful moment!