Why is good oral health practice important?

Most common oral diseases in young children i.e. tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented through good oral health practice.

What is good oral health practice?

Good oral health practice is focused on 3 main preventive measures.

Good oral hygiene care : Brush teeth thoroughly every day especially after meals and before bed. Use children’s fluoridated toothpaste – small pea-sized amount for children above 2 years of age. Supervise your child to brush his teeth until the age of 6-8 years old. Rinse mouth immediately after eating or drinking if brushing is not possible. Never share a toothbrush. Change the toothbrush when the bristles start to splay.
	Proper dietary habit : Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid adding sugar in your child’s drink. Where a bottle is used as a pacifier, it should only contain unsweetened drinks. Never dip the pacifier into sugar or sweet liquid. Avoid fizzy drinks and sweetened fruit juices as they have high sugar content. Read more on sugar intake and oral health
Regular dental check-ups : Start taking your child to the dentist for dental check-ups at an early age to familiarise him with the dental clinic. A visit to the dentist is recommended at least once a year but for those who are at high risk of tooth decay (dental caries), the visits may be more often. Attend to dental injuries immediately; let your dentist evaluate the problem(s). This will ensure that appropriate treatment is started sooner rather than later. Delay in getting treatment will affect chances of healing.

Conclusion

Start Early, Healthy Mouth for a Healthier Life’