Better Oral Health for your Child

Diet & oral hygiene are important in helping to care for a child's teeth. Teaching your child proper oral care at a young age is an investment for his health in the future.

Tooth decay affects children more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems. Cavity prevention is not the only concern parents should have when considering children's oral health.

The following steps are important for your Child's Oral Health:

1.  Even before teeth begin to erupt, clean infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked  washcloth to stimulate the gum tissue and remove food. When the teeth begin to erupt, brush them  with a small, soft toothbrush.

2. Encourage your children to eat regular  meals and avoid frequent between-meal snacking.

3. Protect your child's teeth with fluoride by using a fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to brush his teeth twice a day.

4. Take your child to the dentist regularly. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants. They protect teeth from decay.

5.  At age 2-3, you can begin to teach your child proper brushing techniques. But remember, you will need to follow up with brushing and flossing until age 7-8.

6.    Encourage your child to discuss any fears he might have about visit to a Dentist.

7.   Do not give him too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Reducing sugar in your child's diet is the best way to prevent tooth decay. However, it is how often your child eats sugar rather than how much. Similarly, it is how often your child has acidic food and drinks  rather than the amount  that affects dental erosion.

8.   Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste and not rinse with water.

Many children fall and bump their teeth accidentally. If this happens to your child, take him and the tooth that has been knocked out, to the Dentist .