Most parents know the importance of good oral hygiene as healthy gums and teeth are the foundation of overall well-being. So, they establish good oral habits and encourage their kids to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Many parents even schedule dental appointments once or twice a year.
However, children have to deal with dental cavities and other dental issues even after taking all such measures. Why? Well, the reason behind it is that many parents don’t realize that what they are doing is not enough – parents have to understand the mistakes they make when taking care of their children’s teeth.
So, to help you ensure your kids don’t have any dental problems, here, we will discuss the common mistakes parents make that negatively affect their child’s oral health.
Common dental mistakes parents should avoid maintaining good oral health
Solo brushing: Many parents make a common mistake of allowing their children to brush their teeth on their own to make them independent and save time. However, what they don’t understand is that younger children under 8-years old lack the necessary motor skills to clean their teeth effectively. Moreover, there are chances your kids don’t spend enough time brushing their teeth as they hurry to get back to playing. As a result, they leave several dental areas unclean, leading to tooth cavities and other dental issues.
So, being a responsible parent, you should never leave your kids to brush on their own until they develop the motor skills needed to brush properly. And when you let your kids brush their teeth, make sure you monitor them and educate them about how to brush their teeth properly.
Adding soft drinks to the kid’s diet: Since many children are involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, many parents pack their bags with sports drinks, packaged fruit juices, and soft drinks without a second thought. However, what they’re often less aware of is the detrimental effects of sugar present in drinks on teeth. These drinks are loaded with sugar and are highly acidic. As a result, they create a perfect environment for mouth bacteria to do their job and lead to tooth decay.
If you want to protect your children from dental issues, it is recommended to limit the intake of sugary sodas and canned juices. You can replace these drinks with a glass of fresh juice. Not only is it beneficial for their oral health but for overall well-being as well.
Not starting dentist visits early: While it is recommended to schedule a dental appointment for your children by their first birthday, many parents start dentist visits when something goes wrong. At times, they search for the best emergency dental clinic in Barrie. Unfortunately, dental issues worsen when left undetected for a long time and lead to serious oral health concerns.
So, if you don’t want your kids to suffer from severe tooth pain, it is wise to start scheduling dentist visits by the age of 1 year. Also, it is always good to have a contact number of emergency dental care in Barrie in advance as dental issues occur without prior notice.
The Bottom Line
Parents play a vital role in setting the stage for a lifetime of good oral health for their children. So, being a responsible parent, you should understand the importance of good oral health, educate your kids about the benefits of good oral health at an early stage and schedule dental appointments at least twice a year.
If you are searching for an emergency dental clinic in Barrie, you can rely on Simcoe Family Dentistry. For more information, Call us: 705-792-0079
