Top 5 Dos and Don’ts of Kids’ Oral Health - November 2024

As parents, we often look forward to milestones. Events like their first flip, their first time you hear them say 'Mama' or 'Papa', their first time eating solids, their first steps and of course, when their first tooth appears on their gums! But with their growth comes new responsibilities for you. One of the very important things you must establish when you know your child’s first tooth is about to erupt from their gums is oral hygiene. This list of five Do’s and Don’ts is for all parents with babies and toddlers. Even if your child has a complete set of baby teeth, these still apply. And since most like to hear the bad news before the good, let’s start with what you should not do. Oral Hygiene DON'Ts 1. DON’T forget that those baby teeth are as important as adult teeth. They are not just throwaway teeth because it serves to set your children up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Not instilling good oral habits for your child from the very start can lead to several problems that include tooth decay, gum disease, inflammation and pain that can create other health issues. It is no fun for both child and parent. 2. DON’T forget to remind your child to brush their teeth after meals. This is especially so if it consists of food that can get stuck between the teeth crevices. It can also be easy to forget to brush after a late-night snack and they get cranky for sleep. Gently coax them to brush their teeth until brushing before bed becomes a habit for them. 3. DON’T threaten them when they mess up. You may not know why your child tries to escape brushing teeth or brushes haphazardly. Instead of getting angry, try taking a minute to calm down (breathe in, breathe out). Once you have your emotions in check, you can deal with your uncooperative child rationally. Focus on giving your children positive reinforcements and giving them compliments when they do well. Remember, this period may last a few weeks, but stay strong and hold on to see their dental hygiene breakthrough! 4. DON’T create unhealthy eating habits. If you are rewarding your child with cookies, sweets and chocolates, you may be enforcing unhealthy eating habits to your child. Instead of sweet treats, consider non-food items like stickers or other stationaries. It is also good to avoid feeding them with too much starchy, refined and sticky food that will get stuck between teeth. While they can indulge in these foods on occasion, see No. 2; be sure to teach them to clean their teeth immediately afterwards. 5. DON’T give up. Like potty training, getting children to brush their teeth can be difficult. Think about it - they are placing a foreign object and a soap-like thing that they cannot swallow into their mouths. It may be too much for them. Be patient and keep helping them to achieve independence when brushing their teeth so they will not abhor the habit. Oral Hygiene DOs 1. DO begin cleaning your children's gums even as an infant. Wipe their gums with a soft washcloth or soft toothbrush, even before tooth eruption. This habit will help them establish a daily oral hygiene routine as they grow older. 2. DO involve play when teaching oral care. Children are more likely to be engaged with learning optimal dental care when you make it feel like a game. Children should be brushing their teeth at least twice each day, and they should brush for at least two minutes every time. To make teeth brushing fun, you can introduce them to MOPEA. It is every kid’s dental BFF - that is, best friend forever. MOPEA is an animated personality your child can befriend to make oral care fun. He comes in a pea-sized toothpaste shape. MorningKiss's mascot, MOPEA. 3. DO set a good example. Always be mindful of your brushing when the children are home. You can even make it a habit of brushing in front of your children. Think of yourself as an influencer - yes, you are your child's BIGGEST influencer. When you do it often enough, you may spot them trying to emulate the exact way you brush, so be sure to do it right. 4. DO introduce healthy meals. If they are eating food with high sugar content and drinking soft drinks, you are just paving a way for their teeth to deteriorate faster. Make it a point to not just omit the sugars but introduce quality foods such as calcium-rich yoghurt and green leafy vegetables. These are just a few types of food that promote dental health. 5. DO use oral care products suitable for children. It's important to choose dental care products designed for little mouths. For one, smaller brush heads make it easier for kids to reach all their teeth and do a more thorough job of cleaning them. Toothpaste that comes in child-friendly flavours can help them look forward to nightly brushing. And that results in more brushing and less complaining. It's a win-win for both child and parent! Start Them Young Have you seen little children with a rotten tooth or more? Sadly, it is not a rare sight as unhealthy food and busy lifestyles may take our focus away from our children’s oral care. But here’s a tip, when you invest time and effort to instil your children with good oral habits, rest assured, it will be a habit. Good oral health can contribute to fewer sick days and good attendance in pre-school/school. Oral health does not only impact the breath, gums, and the look of teeth; it also can affect an individual's overall health. Did you know that excess bacteria in the mouth could pass down to the bloodstream? Severe decay in milk teeth can also affect their nutrition, speech and jaw development. Therefore, it is never too early to guide kiddos to like brushing as this will be the starter to good oral health. Introducing MorningKiss Junior Oral Care If you are looking to start your children on an oral care routine, be sure to use MorningKiss Junior. The toothpaste is free from SLS, parabens, fluoride and saccharin. It is also safe if accidentally swallowed, perfect for those below six years. It comes with a choice of either the strawberry or orange flavour. Just pea-sized amount is enough! MorningKiss Junior also has toothbrushes that come in two colours, baby pink and sky blue. Both types come with a cushioned brush head with extra soft bristles. There is also a tongue-cleaning massager on the back of the brush and a non-slip grip on the handle, so it does not fall off your toddler’s hand. If this is their first time, consider getting the starter pack that comes in a little pouch. MorningKiss is a Malaysian oral care brand owned by Yee Lee Group. The brand has been in Malaysia for 35 years. MorningKiss understands local needs and is considered the best companion for your child when beginning their oral routine. With MOPEA, the MorningKiss Junior mascot, brushing teeth becomes a fun routine. Buy MorningKiss Junior products from these links below today! Shopee: https://bit.ly/3IcxN2J Lazada: https://bit.ly/3JOevRW The oral health of the next generation starts with you. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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