Tips To Help Your Child Develop Good Dental Hygiene Habits
Start Early With Child-Friendly Dental Products
The sooner you can start your child on a good dental care routine, the better. By the age of three, your toddler will have a full set of baby teeth and can begin using fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles as toothbrushes with firm bristles will be uncomfortable for your little one and could discourage them from brushing. Also, only use a pea-sized amount of children's fluoride toothpaste and not adult products. Too much fluoride can harm your child's mouth and lead to fluorosis (the appearance of white streaks on the teeth due to the breakdown of their enamel).
Set A Time
Everyone must brush their teeth for two minutes, including your little one. Set a timer or play a song that is two minutes long to get them into the habit of brushing their teeth for an appropriate time.
Show, Don’t Tell
Lead by example and brush your teeth with your child. Your child looks up to you and if they see you brushing your teeth, they will want to take part as well. When you are brushing your teeth with your child, ask them to practice the same brushing techniques you use as well as show them how to brush hard-to-reach spots in the back of their mouth. Modeling these behaviors will have lasting effects on your child.
Keep Up With Regular Dental Cleanings
From an early age, it is important that your child begins to visit the dentist regularly. Educate your child on why they need to visit the dentist and what will happen if they do not get regular dental cleanings and exams. Explain to them what cavities are and how they are caused as well as how to avoid them. Do not scare your child by saying that if they do get a cavity that the dentist will have to perform a filling or show a scary picture of what a cavity looks like. This will frighten your child making them more afraid of visiting the dentist. Instead, give them a kid-friendly overview of why dental hygiene is important.
Make Flossing And Brushing Fun
You can follow as many tips and tricks as you want to teach your child good dental hygiene practices, but, if brushing and flossing is constantly a negative experience, they will not want to do it. Things like brushing your teeth together as a family or turning oral hygiene into a game will make your kiddo more likely to stick with it and want to learn.
Childrens Dental Care with Marlborough Dental Centre
As a parent, you want your child to grow up strong and healthy, and it is your responsibility to get them there. Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important aspect of your child's health and wellness, so it is crucial that you instill good dental hygiene habits at a young age. Although it may seem like your child will never enjoy brushing their teeth, the phase will pass with the help of your efforts in practicing brushing and flossing with them.
Our caring team of experienced dental professionals is here to help you and your child get started in positive oral hygiene and health. Give your child a head start in oral health with our comprehensive dental care for children. Contact our NE Calgary dental clinic today at 403-248-2066 or fill out our online contact form.
FAQs
Q: At what age should I start brushing my child's teeth?
A: You should start brushing your child's teeth as soon as their first tooth appears which will be around 6 months.
Q: When should my child visit the dentist?
A: You should book your child's first dentist appointment when they reach the age of 1 year old.
Q: How often should my child brush their teeth?
A: Teach your child to brush their teeth twice per day to help them get into the habit of brushing after breakfast in the morning and before they go to bed.
