As a parent, you’re probably already familiar with how important regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist are for keeping your child's teeth strong and healthy. It can come as a surprise to many, however, to learn that a young person's gums need just as much attention as their teeth if their oral health is to be maintained throughout their formative years. Here's a closer look at how you can help your little ones avoid common gum health problems.

A Parent's Guide to Healthy Gums

1. Remind Them to Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things people of all ages can do to support their health. This is particularly true for kids since water supports organ health, a strong immune system, and the gums' ability to stay strong and fight off infections.

Water will not only rinse away oral bacteria but also encourage saliva production, thus reducing the risk of bacterial proliferation and dry mouth and lowering pH levels after consuming acidic foods and beverages. Most kids should drink about four cups of water and other fluids a day. If they don’t want to drink plain water, you can add sugar-free fruit flavorings to tap water to make it more appealing.

2. Brush and Floss Daily

The simplest and most effective way to keep growing gums healthy is by brushing and flossing regularly. Children under 3 years old should use a dab of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, while those between 3 and 6 should use an amount similar in size to a pea. Whether by themselves when they're old enough or with their parents' help, kids should brush all surfaces of each tooth above the gumline for at least two full minutes twice a day.

They can then use floss to dislodge stubborn pieces of food that can attract bacteria, thus reducing the risk of gum infections and gingivitis. Small children may need help knowing how long to brush, so you can use songs, timers, or games to help them reach their full two minutes.

3. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Even with a healthy diet, plenty of water, and good daily oral hygiene habits, kids’ gums can develop issues requiring professional treatment. For that reason, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist at least once every six months.

Your child’s dentist will carefully inspect the state of their teeth, gums, and tongue to determine their overall condition and detect early signs of infections, decay, and other issues. They’ll also carry out a professional cleaning to eliminate risky bacterial buildup and calcified plaque.

Supplement your efforts to encourage good dental hygiene habits at home by making an appointment with Kid Smiles in High Point, NC. These pediatric dentists offer comprehensive dental exams, professional cleaning, and reliable oral health advice for parents of kids throughout the area. Call (336) 885-5437 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about their services.