Each one of us understands the importance of maintaining good oral health, and we are always keen to listen to gum care tips for better oral health. However, many of us do not realize that oral health for toddlers is as important as for grownups, because dental care should not start when you are a grown-up. To have good dental health, you must take care of your kid’s gums and teeth as an infant too.

One of the best gum care tips for better oral health for kids is to start flossing when their teeth come into contact with one another. This happens when the baby is about 2-3 years of age and it is at this time that food particles start to get caught between the teeth. If these are not cleaned, they will encourage bacteria to grow there and cause plaque build-up. But not all children need flossing so early; so it may be a good idea to ask your pediatric dentist for advice.

Gum care tips for better oral health for kids:

• One of the first things you should do is to make sure dental care starts early for your baby and take him to see a dentist before he turns one. When you opt for early preventive care, it can save you a lot of money in the process.
• You must teach your kid about good dental hygiene habits like brushing twice a day. Before he gets teeth, you may start him off by gently brushing his gums. When the teeth start to form, twice once is recommended using an infant brush and fluoride-containing toothpaste.
• Flossing should be started when the teeth begin to come into contact with each other; for this, you need to talk to your dentist about the techniques. Both flossing and brushing must be done prior to bedtime. And after this, the kid should not be given any food or drink.
• It is a big mistake to offer a bottle of formula or milk to an infant in a bid to make him go to sleep. The sugary liquids tend to stick to their teeth and feed bacteria that trigger dental decay.
• Parents often think that giving their kid drinks throughout the day will keep them energized and hydrated. But sugar-rich drinks as fruit juices will invariably lead to decaying of teeth. It is best to offer him not more than four ounces of fruit juice a day and stick to non-sugary drinks during mealtimes.
• The sippy cup is a good medium for helping the infant transition from the bottle to a proper glass. But you must not let your kid drink from this sippy cup throughout the day. The front teeth tend to get affected and decay happens at the back of the incisors. Even using the pacifier is not really a good idea when the kid is growing up as it may affect the way in which his teeth are lined.
• Most medicines for kids are sweet and flavored but if these keep clinging to the teeth, cavities may form. This explains why children who must take regular medicines for treating asthma or heart diseases usually have bad dental health.
• Finally, with children, you have to show patience. Kids normally learn to brush their teeth as grownups show them how to go about it. But you must remember that they will not be fully equipped to brush independently till they are about six. Flossing takes even longer, and usually, a child of about 10 years can floss properly. If your kid is not willing to brush or floss regularly you can try to give him incentives like a sticker or paint smileys on a chart. This helps to motivate them to pick up good habits.