Children and daily oral hygiene: 7 tips for parents

7 Tips for Parents: Start the Journey Toward Impeccable Oral Hygiene

Welcome to the virtual office of DentAngelo Clinic! We’re here to help you gain clarity amidst the abundance of information about children’s oral hygiene. Taking the time to research is an important step toward ensuring your child’s dental health.

We’ll play the role of guide through the maze of sources, aiming to be helpful.
We’ve met many parents who came to DentAngelo Clinic worried after noticing various dental issues in their children.

It’s no surprise. Teeth are important at any age. They help children socialize and enjoy life without being affected by rejection or pain.
We’ll focus on 7 things you should keep in mind when talking to your kids about oral health and what it means throughout life.

“How can I ensure my child’s oral health?”

This question is more common than you might think. More and more parents are asking dentists this question, concerned about their children’s appetite for unhealthy food.

In a world dominated by sweets, fast food, and sugary carbonated drinks, maintaining your child’s oral hygiene isn’t easy. All this happens against a concerning statistic: approximately 1 in 5 children aged 5 to 11 has at least one untreated cavity.

Don’t worry. We wrote this article for parents looking for oral care tips for their little ones—without pressure or stress. Everything should happen naturally, fostering a sense of responsibility that can be cultivated in children.

7 Tips for Parents to Ensure Excellent Oral Health for Children

1. Choosing the Right Toothpaste Based on Age

Selecting toothpaste for children requires proper research. You can’t just choose any toothpaste, but one specifically made for kids. Parents often face this dilemma due to the many options on the market and conflicting information.

With or Without Fluoride

Some dentists consider fluoride toothpaste essential in the fight against cavities. Others recommend fluoride-free options. Many dental experts who advocate for fluoride toothpaste emphasize age-appropriate use. Why? Excess fluoride ingestion can lead to fluorosis, a condition that stains the teeth.

We recommend bringing your child in for a dental consultation to create a complete oral hygiene plan. Tooth brushing should start with the appearance of the first teeth. Besides toothpaste, there are also wipes for cleaning teeth and gums.

Important to note: For children under three, use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste. After age three, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. Establish a brushing routine—and stick to it daily.

2. Developing a Toothbrushing Technique

Brushing can be fun. Use songs, apps, cartoons, or timers to make brushing more appealing. There are many brushing songs on YouTube worth trying.

Toothbrushing techniques by age

Adapt brushing techniques based on your child’s age. For toddlers, use gentle circular motions. Children will tell you if they feel pressure or pain during brushing.

How often should your child brush? At least twice a day. The ideal duration is two minutes, but sometimes it may be shorter. That’s okay. Teach your child the value of patience and doing things properly.

3. The First Dental Visit

The first dental visit is important and should happen naturally, with the child being prepared in advance. The first tooth signals the right time for the first dentist appointment.

No need to worry. During the first visit, the dentist will explain to the parent all procedures required for maintaining the child’s oral health. At DentAngelo Dental Clinic, our specialists will welcome your child in a warm and friendly atmosphere. They’ll feel right at home—surrounded by people who care about them.

After the first visit, the dentist will establish a schedule for regular checkups to prevent and treat dental issues.

4. Using Dental Floss

Unfortunately, many parents ignore the use of dental floss in their children’s oral care routines, though it deserves more attention. If your child’s teeth are closely spaced, it’s essential to clean between them with floss. Between ages 2–3, the close spacing marks the starting point for flossing.

Make flossing a game. Encourage your child to focus when using floss. It can become a fun family activity.

5. Diet and Proper Oral Hygiene

Diet plays a significant role in your child’s oral health. Limit sugary foods and refined carbs. Definitely avoid giving your child sugary carbonated drinks, which negatively affect their teeth.

6. Mouthwash Is Not Recommended

While mouthwash can support oral health, for young children there’s a risk they may swallow it. Therefore, speak with your dentist about whether and under what conditions it can be used safely.

7. Healthy Habits and Routines

Children can learn responsibility for oral health from an early age. Parents should be there to guide them in keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Establish a daily routine early on and stick to it. If possible, offer small rewards to reinforce positive behavior. This way, your child will learn from a young age that it’s important to invest time in proper dental care.

DentAngelo Dental Clinic offers pediatric dentistry services. Parents are welcome to bring their children for their first consultation or to treat various dental problems. Contact us to learn how we can help your child achieve the smile they deserve.

Appointments at 0761 340 001 or via email at contact@dentangelo.ro!

Visit us at 98C I. L. Caragiale Street, Chiajna, Ilfov.