These are the 8 Bad dental habits which usually a child does –

•       Thumb Sucking

•       Tongue Thrusting

•       Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

•       Nail Biting

•       Pencil Biting

•       Mouth Breathing

•       Lip Biting

•       Lip Sucking

Avoid doing all of them in the best way possible.  If your child does Thumb Sucking till the age of 3 to 4 then it ok and there is nothing to worry about it.

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Good oral Habits which you should teach to your children are – 

•       Use a low-fluoride toothpaste for your child as your child cannot use an adult toothpaste as it contains a high amount of fluoride in it which can damage the teeth of your child.

•       You should encourage your child to do brushing after they are 18 months old. Although you should start cleaning it after the start appearing. You can clean it with a towel at first and later brushing them.

•       After your baby is 6 months old, try to make them drink their milk or water with a cup.

•       You can breastfeed your baby up till they are 2 years old.

•       Don’t put your baby in sleep with bottles.

•       Avoid giving them any sweetened beverages; water is the best drink for them.

•       You should give them milk without any sugar or sweetening it.

•       Small baby and toddlers do not need sweet fruit juice as we need it.

•       Encourage them to wear a helmet while cycling and skating.

•       You need to teach them a good oral hygiene so that they will follow it for rest of the life, for this, you also need to follow a good hygiene as the child is going to learn by watching you.

•       You should avoid giving unhealthy snacks and foods to your child from the beginning so that later it doesn’t become a habit.

•       A regular dental checkup is necessary for all of your family members.  For your baby, you can start it after they are 2 years old.

•       Never smoke in front of your children, it is known as second-hand smoking which is as harmful as smoking.

•       Keep Gums and teeth clean – A 3-year-old child is still in its learning phase so you need to clean their mouth even if they are brushing on their own. After they are properly trained you can allow them to clean their teeth by themselves.

•       To provide protection against plaque, and bacteria which usually occurs due to food; you need to make sure that they gargle their mouth at least twice after eating each meal.

•       You should advise them to brush and floss each day, but at first, you need to teach them.

•       You should also make them brush after eating candy, chocolates, pastries or any other sweet product. You can ask them to do it before sleeping.

•       Avoid spreading your bacteria into them by not kissing and licking their pacifiers.

•       You should also avoid giving your child night-time bottles filled with milk, formula, or juice.