Since a baby is usually born toothless, many parents are of the view that an infant does not require any routine oral care. As a result, most of the parents initiate good dental practices such as brushing and rinsing only after the time when the infant develops teeth.

When a baby reaches the age of 5-6 months, teeth start developing. The teeth develop inside the gums and thus, are not visible on the outside. This is the right time to start with routine oral habits to ensure that the infant develops healthy gums later.

Moreover, inculcating good oral habits in the early stages ensures that the kid follows the same practices even later in life. This article details the steps which much be followed to inculcate good oral habits in children for healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Health For Children

Brushing

Brushing is important for teeth and for people of all ages be it a kid, an adult or an elderly. Infants and kids have soft gums. Hence, a brush with soft bristles must be used to ensure no harm to the gums. These days markets have numerous varieties of brushes for every age group.

A rubber-like brush is a good option for kids. Such a brush has rubber tips which can be used to brush the gums of the infant. Instead of a brush, a soft cloth can also be used. This practice should be followed three times a day.

Toothpaste

For a kid, even plain water can be used. However, you can always pick a fancy toothpaste from the shelf made especially for babies.

Dental Check-Up

A routine dental check-up, usually after every six-months, is advisable for people of all age. Once your infant starts developing teeth, consult a paediatric dentist.

Professional consultation is necessary to eradicate any chances of tooth infection or gums problems. A kid loses all maternal antibodies after reaching an age of 1 year. This makes the child vulnerable to infections.

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Many kids develop the habit of sleeping with the bottle in the mouth and get used to the sugariness of the milk. Such a habit can be harmful for the kid’s gums and teeth.

The acid in the milk causes decay of teeth and forms a lining in the entire mouth. This can further cause discolouration and decay of permanent teeth. If your kid is too habitual of sleeping with a bottle in the mouth, you can fill the bottle with plain water.

Problems of dental decay are transmissible. Never put the bottle in your own mouth to test the temperature of the liquid and avoid sharing the utensils that you use for your kid. Curbing such acts can prevent transmission of cavity into your kid’s mouth.

It is always said that prevention is better than cure. Many parents do not follow good dental practices for their kids and as a result, the kid develops numerous teeth and gum problems like oral cavity, etc. It is the duty of the parents to teach healthy oral practices to their child.