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Studies have shown that tooth decay and misaligned teeth are some of the most common dental issues that affect children. If you want to correct them, you need to instill the correct practices in your child at an early age, from brushing properly to rinsing their Invisalign clear aligners. Doing so will make them more receptive to the behavior and ensure they will keep performing it as they become older. Therefore, we will be looking at five habits in this blog that you need to instill in your little ones.
Proper brushing twice a day
Most children treat brushing their teeth as a chore; therefore, they tend to rush through the process as quickly as possible. However, to remove all dirt and germs effectively, you need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, not mere seconds. It also needs to be done twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Instead of leaving your child to their own devices, stay beside them and supervise how they brush. When left alone, children may either rush through it or skip it entirely. Also, make sure to teach them how to brush their teeth effectively. Children learn best through action, not words, so show them how to do it correctly.
Flossing after brushing
Flossing is a crucial component of oral hygiene as it helps remove any debris that might be stuck between teeth. Your child needs to do it at least once per day to avoid decay. However, it might be difficult for them to do it alone; therefore, you will have to do it on their behalf and train them until they can do it properly.
Reduce candy intake
Sugar is the absolute worst enemy of teeth and needs to be consumed moderately to ensure that your child’s oral health is not compromised. When you have sugary food or drinks, the sugar molecules combine with bacteria and saliva in the mouth to create plaque. When plaque forms on teeth, it releases acids that will damage the enamel.
Therefore, you need to limit your children’s access to sugary food and drinks. Instead, give them healthier snacks with less sugar. When they become used to consuming less sugar as a child, they will not crave it much as they grow older.
Rinse the clear aligner at night
If your child has been given clear aligners as part of their Invisalign treatment to help align their teeth. They need to be shown how to care for these not to be a bacteria buildup properly. Certain bacteria can cause erosion in the teeth and also lead to bad breath. Therefore, they need to rinse their clear aligners once a day.
Eat calcium-rich food
Food rich in calcium will help your children’s teeth become stronger and more resistant to damage. Therefore, your children should be taught to consume such food regularly. This includes dairy, meat, fortified cereals, and dark leafy greens.
The above habits can help ensure your children will enjoy good dental health throughout their life. Therefore, make sure to instill them early. For information on virtually invisible aligners and how to properly clean them, contact the Invisalign Center in Dubai.