Good dental hygiene is a must for everyone. It has been proven that a healthy dental status also reflects how our overall health will be. Regular brushing and flossing helps in keeping gum diseases, bad breath and cavities at bay. So how can we instill all these good habits in our children and ensure a fit oral hygiene level?

Many parents take for granted their little ones’ oral hygiene because they tend to be fussy and nagging. But did you know that poor dental health and tooth problems can lead to issues with eating, speech development and learning among children?

So it is important for children to take care of their teeth as it is for adults. Here are a few types of diseases that kids can develop as a result of bad oral hygiene-

Chronic Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage in periodontal disease. It makes the gums red and swollen and they bleed easily. The redness and swelling may be subtle but when the child spits into the basin after brushing, you’ll see the bleeding and this is tell-tale sign that gums aren’t healthy. This is preventable and treatable. Regular brushing, flossing and dental checks are essential habits.

Aggressive Gingivitis: This is a more progressive form of periodontitis and is usually seen in teenagers and adults. This disease causes the bone around the teeth to melt away and thus result in loose teeth.

Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: This disease can occur during puberty if dental hygiene is ignored. It involves the whole mouth and there is a buildup of plaque in which bacteria can thrive and eat away at the gums and teeth, causing the teeth to become loose.

So what are the signs of dental disease in children?

• Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing or at any other time.
• Gum puffiness, especially if they are bright red or swollen.
• Gum recession. Look at the gums in the mouth – they should be even along the lower edges of the teeth but if they seem lower on some than others, they may have receded and this can expose the roots in extreme cases. The child may complain of pain when eating hot/cold food or drinks.
• Constant bad breath is also a sign on tooth and gum ill health. If breath smells bad even after brushing, this can mean that the gums are rotting because of bacteria and plaque.

How can you prevent periodontitis in children?

• Make flossing and brushing a regular habit right from an early age, just like s/he would brush her hair, try and make the act as natural as that.
• When the child is about 12 months old, start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for brushing and once the gaps between the teeth begin to fill, teach them how to floss.
• Regular dental checkups at any dental care clinic in Delhi can be very helpful; this would ensure that you know if there are some signs of disease.
• You are your kid’s role model so remember to brush and floss regularly so that you can set an example for them.

Green Park Dental is one of the best dental hospitals in Delhi that provides friendly and technologically advanced services that makes kids feel comfortable and happy. So come, check out this dental Clinic in South Delhi and leave with a healthy smile!