Frugal minded people often cut out anything from a budget that can be cut including regular visits to a dentist. But in reality, regular visits that cost a few hundred dollars could save you thousands of dollars in dental repairs as you get older.
Each February the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise the awareness about scheduling dental health visits at an early age. Developing good habits for children and scheduling regular dental visits help them get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Ideally, children should see a dental care provider by the age of one before they develop any problems so that these visits will not be associated with a stressful event.
Children need to floss and brush their teeth daily and after every meal just as adults do. Adults need to brush their children's teeth for them until they are proficient at holding a writing implement which is usually when they are in kindergarten.
With so many toothbrushes available for children, it can be confusing to decide which one is the best. It should be small enough to fit in their mouths and have ultra-soft bristles.
Here are some tips on brushing children's teeth:
- Don't use too much toothpaste. A small pea size is about the right amount as it will not make too much foam.
- Stand behind or beside your child with your arm around their neck. Hold the toothbrush in a position that is comfortable for you.
- Set a timer for 3 minutes, and spend the first two minutes concentrating on the upper and lower back teeth which are where cavities usually develop first as these are the chewing surfaces. Finish off with the front teeth.
- Be sure the children rinse thoroughly by swishing water around their mouths.
You should start flossing your child's teeth when they touch each other. Back ones will be the ones to touch each other first. You can use a piece of dental floss or a child's dental flosser.
Kneel in front of your child and floss in between all the touching teeth starting in the back and working your way to the front.
