Years 2 to 5 are considered to be very formative years in a child’s growthand development. It is during this time frame that a baby learns how to react and adapt to his environment. This is also the time when the baby’s mind is fertile enough to understand and follow a routine and can inculcate good habits.As conscious parents we must understand that as healthy teeth are extremely important for a good and healthy lifestyle, we must tutor our kids and encourage them to maintain a healthy smile.There are just a couple of dental care tips that we must abide by for the same. Read on to find out!

• Set a routine You prepare your child for going to school, for sleeping independently, for interacting socially, then why not prepare him to follow a healthy oral routine? Right from when your kid can manage on his own, you must make it a mandate for him to brush independently, at least twice a day, for 3-5 minutes by the watch each time. Ensure that your child is using a soft bristles toothbrush and the best toothpaste in India- Babool. It is important that your child brushes under adult supervision till the age of six.Also, daily flossing of your child’s teeth and brushing right before bed time is a must!However if your baby is too small and cannot brush so frequently, you must at least clean his gums or teeth with a soft washcloth.If you baby still takes a bottle while going to sleep, make sure the bottle contains nothing but water as the bacteria in other sugary liquids like milk and juices can get super active and harm your baby’s teeth while he sleeps. Baby brushes may be a good idea for children in this age group but make sure you change the brush at recommended intervals & avoid overusing a spent brush.
  
  
• Frequent dentist visits If there is one thing you must not ignore, this is it.Your child should start regular visits between two-and-a-half and three years of age, or as advised by your dental professional. The paediatric dentist will review your child's medical and dental history. He or she will gently examine your child's teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. Your paediatric dentist won't talk just to you about dental health, he or she will talk to your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas. Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for his healthy smile.
  
  
• Teeth-safe diet Make sure your child has a balanced diet. Each meal should include calcium rich foods like fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. You must make a conscious effort to limit the servings of sugars and starches so as to protect your child's teeth from decay. You must consult a paediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth.
  
  
• Battle injuries Between the age of 2 and 5, your child will learn to do many new things like crawling, walking, running, climbing, riding baby bikes etc. Injuries to your child’s face and teeth can occur easily during such activities. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, don’t try and put it back in, take your child to the dentist immediately for a check-up. Mouth guards can help protect children’s teeth from knocks and falls. If your child plays sport, it’s good to try to get her used to wearing a mouth guard from an early age.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene and using the right toothpaste plays a vital role in keeping dental problems such as plaque, gingivitis, tartar and tooth decay away. Visit our blog to know more about dental care and following an oral care routine to keep teeth strong and healthy