Proper Dental Care Starts in Childhood

Some body parts get replenished during a person's life, for example the skin, hair and nails. Teeth are not included in this category. The human develops a set of teeth in infancy, but because the jaw will grow considerably, these are replaced early in life with what is rightfully called permanent teeth. It does not matter how long live after that; you will not get a new set ever again. You must be prepared to make these teeth last for as long as eighty, sometimes more, years.

It takes a careful dental health routine and a well-considered choice of toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain the condition of one's teeth. Therefore it is crucial that a child is taught at the earliest possible age how to look after teeth. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash should become a daily routine. Teaching your children to protect their teeth through a well-established dental care routine, is a very good investment to make.

Kids' toothbrushes

Parents should make a real production of buying a child his very first toothbrush. These days kids' toothbrushes are jolly-looking instruments in cheerful colours and sporting fun elements making the tooth-brushing process seem a whole lot less intimidating.

Parents should, however, not skimp on quality. Not all adult toothbrushes are equal and neither are kids' toothbrushes. Toothbrushes have remarkably improved over the last decade; you can even find electric toothbrushes for kids. These improvements are the result of intensive research and development. That is why it is important to select a toothbrush manufactured by an established company.

Special toothpaste for kids

The toothpaste your child uses should have all the properties of ordinary toothpaste. It must have the same cleansing, healing, cavity-preventative and, if necessary, whitening agents used by adults. These features should, however, be adapted and presented in concentrations which will not harm your child's teeth.

To make the brushing experience more exciting most kids' toothpaste is attractively packaged and presented. To add to your child's dental care, a good mouthwash will do wonders.

It's all in the routine

The most important part in training a child to practice good dental care is to make it a routine. Once brushing and flossing become a habit, practiced at set times of the day or night, resistance to the process will dissipate. In fact, it is when something interferes with the performance of this habit that resistance will arise.

While it is good when a child has an easy-going relationship with his toothbrush , he should not become so attached to it that he resists replacing it. A worn-out toothbrush loses its efficiency. Make your child look forward to getting a new kids' toothbrush . Signing off, Mary Angel