Dentists urge parents to encourage good oral hygiene habits

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Paediatric dentists are urging parents to encourage their children to adopt good oral hygiene habits from a very young age.

Some dentists have even suggested parents start to tend to their children’s oral health before they even develop teeth; parents can use gauze wipes to cleanse their baby’s gums before they develop teeth and then switch to soft silicone brushes once the teeth start to develop, according to paediatric dentist, Sarah Hulland. Once children have a full s

et of teeth, they should use a proper toothbrush and their parents should supervise them brushing their teeth; children will require help with teeth cleaning during the first eight years of their life, according to experts.

Another major part of children’s dental hygiene is visiting the dentist on a regular basis; it is advisable for parents to take their children to the dentist from an early age, as this will help them to build a strong relationship with their dentist and prevent them from suffering from dental phobia in the future. Visiting the dentist regularly will also enable dentist to keep an eye on the child’s development and identify any possible problems early on.

Dentists are also urging parents to teach children about nutrition; nowadays, children are exposed to a huge array of fatty and sugary foods, which contribute to general health problems, as well as oral health issues. Children should be encouraged to learn about the benefits of healthy food and parents should involve children in the preparation and cooking of healthy meals.

Join this Discussion

April 6th, 2010 at 08:47 PM
Jenny Says :

It is essential for both dentists and parents to make sure everyone understands the importance of dental health. Educational videos that came with our dental billing software really help our patients to comprehend exactly what treatments are planned and why they will be best. This creates a trusting relationship and, subsequently, regular dental visits.