D.to a recent investigation conducted by Key-Stone for Curasepta leading Italian company in the field of oral care, shows that for 39% of dental hygienists children’s oral hygiene has deteriorated over the past two years.
Blame the pandemic? Not only. On the dock, inconsistent hygiene, incorrect use of chemical and mechanical tools and abundant consumption of sugary foods and cariogenic foods. Covid, too, has given him some, reducing the use of the dentist.
Children’s oral hygiene: how to improve it
The summer holidays can then be the right occasion to… settle down. At a time when children are less stressed by commitments, schedules and deadlines, they can acquire new habits without stress that they will never give up again.
Summer fruits and vegetables, friends of the teeth
It is well known that foods rich in sugars are bad for the teeth because the bacteria responsible for caries feed on sugars. But for how long fruit is generally sugary, non-acidic fruit such as watermelon, melon, peach and apricot are considered acariogenous and you can consume it in peace. Equally, they are excellent hunger-breakers crunchy vegetables (e.g. carrot
and pepper) but also dried fruit, yogurt and milk.
Children’s oral hygiene? A game
Starting with the tools, children’s oral hygiene can become a game: toothbrush and toothpaste can be chosen by the child himself (obviously, addressing them to those suitable for the age). Colored, in a loved taste, they can help.
Oral hygiene for children, 3 foolproof tricks
Among the tricks that can be adopted to make cleaning last as long as necessary, pair it with a two-minute song. Until it’s over, she brushes herself!
It can also be useful to hang a colored board in the bathroom: the little one can score and draw every time he has completed the “dentini mission” (twice a day for two minutes). And at the end of, for example, a full month will receive a fair reward for the effort.
Finally, nothing works better with little ones than giving the good example and brush your teeth with your parents.
Brushing your teeth together is a great idea – good example helps! (press office photo)
When to start?
Cleaning is recommended the mucous membranes of the newborn even before the appearance of the first teeth, after breastfeeding. Simply use a sterile gauze wrapped around your finger to gently pass over the baby’s gums.
From the appearance of the first tooth, around 6-8 months, parents will have to use a toothbrush of the appropriate size with very soft bristles and a minimal quantity of fluoride toothpaste (as much as a grain of rice).
To manage the pain due to the birth of the teeth there are special ones teether and gel that give relief, even in this case it is advisable that they are sugar-free, preferably with natural ingredients.
From 3 years old, they can do it on their own
From 3 years onwards the amount of toothpaste can be increased reaching the maximum dose (as much as a pea). Children can wash their teeth on their own (in the morning, after breakfast, and before bedtime, for at least two minutes), with specific brushes for 3-6 years, but adult supervision is useful. It may be helpful to suggest making small circular motions. When the parent brushes the child’s teeth, it is best to have the child rest his head and use good lighting. It is also important to brush the margins, between the tooth and the gum, by tilting the brush about 45 °.
The first dental visit? It should be done around 18/24 months.
From 5 years old, like grown-ups
Usually around the age of 5-6, manual skills are sufficient to learn how to brush teeth from gum to tooth. When the child is able to spit, the mouthwash. Following, at the suggestion of the dentist, also the dental floss.
Which toothpaste for children’s oral hygiene?
From six months, the National Guidelines for Oral Health Promotion recommend the use of toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm of fluoride and with a low RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity), below 30, precisely in order not to cause damage to the enamel, which protects the teeth from cariogenic agents.
iO Donna © REPRODUCTION RESERVED