Instil a good oral hygiene routine
ACCEPTED, loved and pride are three feelings all parents want their children to feel. These three traits are synonymous with feelings of self-confidence in children.
Cultivating confidence in children is important for their overall growth and development. This is the opportune time to impart vital information and life lessons.
The Western Cape government believes that it’s never too early to get your kids into the habit of good dental hygiene. Teaching your child good dental hygiene helps them to form healthy habits and to develop their speech. As teeth are essential for word formation, speech issues are frequently exacerbated by tooth loss.
According to a study published in the Brazilian Dental Journal, oral disorders in children: issues such as dental cavities, traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and malocclusion, might harm the quality of life connected to oral health.
Malocclusion refers to improper tooth alignment and occlusion is the term used to describe tooth alignment, and how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Dental injuries can range from small to serious, such as a chipped tooth or a tooth that has been knocked out.
Studies have shown more self-confident children frequently outperform their peers in school, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Similarly, children who lack confidence struggle academically and are frequently afraid to try new things. Many people believe confidence begins with the mouth, in terms of how we talk and how we smile.
“We frequently ignore the connection between dental health and self-esteem, particularly in young children,” said Macelle Erasmus, head of Expert at Aquafresh.
Making sure your child has excellent oral health can boost their self-confidence. Here are tips for keeping your child’s mouth healthy.
Have a set dental hygiene routine
Ensure children brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with reputable toothpaste and a toothbrush that is not too hard. Floss daily as this is the best way to get rid of food stuck between your teeth.
While the routine focuses mostly on teeth, gums should not be forgotten.
Pay attention to fluoride levels in toothpaste
Low quantities of fluoride can be advantageous, but if not controlled appropriately it can also be dangerous.
A typical side effect of fluoride is dental fluorosis, which develops during the early stages of tooth growth. Teeth can become discoloured as a result of dental fluorosis. Pay particular attention to the amount of fluoride in toothpaste and purchase toothpaste that is made especially for children.
Keep a close eye on their diet
It’s important to make sure you’re limiting your children’s consumption of acidic foods and drinks because these negatively affect teeth. Acid damages tooth enamel consequently causing teeth discoloration and increasing teeth sensitivity.
Regular dentist appointments
Routine dental check-ups are very important, as are maintaining a consistent daily oral routine, paying attention to gums, and keeping a close eye on your kids’ nutrition. Every six months is the recommended time for dental exams.
Before a disorder progresses to a dangerous condition, dentists can identify early disease symptoms and treat them appropriately.
The Western Cape Department of Health has a school health programme that includes oral health. If the department is visiting a school with a dentist, parents will receive a consent form that they should sign and return to the school (Grades R and 1).
The team may correct any faulty teeth with your permission, parents. Alternatively, you can get a referral letter asking you to schedule an appointment at your clinic so the oral health team can see them.