Sermons, lectures, and scolding don’t work with you. How do you expect them to work with your children? Don’t ask your children to do certain things, instead tell them why they should. Explain to them. Answer their questions. Don’t impose. Lead by example when teaching dental care basics to your child. If they see you paying attention to your teeth, they will pay attention to theirs.

More often than not, we are not aware of how to take care of our children’s dental health. Denying them chocolates and asking them to brush before going to bed are not enough. Here are some things you should know about dental care in children.

• The child’s milk teeth lay the foundation for strong and healthy permanent teeth. If infected, they need treatment right away.

• Do not think fever and vomiting are normal when your child is teething. Take her to the pediatrician immediately.
• It is important to take your child to the dentist when she develops her first tooth.
• Do not give your baby a bottle of milk or some other sweet liquid when she sleeps. This may cause tooth decay also known as baby bottle decay.
• Provide your child food rich in calcium. Feed dairy products and other calcium-rich foods like tofu, spinach, broccoli, almonds, sesame, salmon, and sardines.
• Discourage your child from sucking her thumb. Try to make her stop doing it completely after the age of six.
• Never ignore a problem in your child’s teeth. Take your child immediately to the dentist.

Tell your child the importance of dental care. You will be surprised at the results when you explain things calmly.

Tags: Children, dental care in children