Why children need to practice good oral hygiene

As an oral health specialist who has had children as patients, Dr. Kami Hoss of The Super Dentists knows fully well that kids love to eat sugary snacks and drinks that can lead to tooth decay. Unfortunately, tooth decay is the number one chronic disease in children. Good oral hygiene is essential for children to prevent tooth decay.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that form plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, the remaining plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, notes Dr. Kami Hoss.

Teaching children about oral health

It is vital that children of all ages know good oral hygiene to prevent plaque from building up and turning into tartar and cavities, and other dental problems. There are other things parents can do to help their children embrace good oral hygiene. Dr. Kami Hoss mentions the following:

Teach them how to brush their teeth properly. This includes using the correct amount of toothpaste, brushing on all surfaces of the teeth, and brushing for at least two minutes.

Help them develop healthy oral care habits early on. This includes flossing daily and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks.

Regularly take them to the dentist for checkups and cleanings.

As an added cautionary note, here are some of the adverse effects of not practicing good oral hygiene:

- Tooth decay

- Gum disease

- Bad breath

- Oral cancer

- Infections in other parts of the body, such as the heart and brain.

Thus, Dr. Kami Hoss stresses the importance of parents ensuring that their children practice good oral hygiene habits from an early age. By doing so, they can help prevent a wide variety of dental problems down the road.

For more on Dr.Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, and his practice, click here.