As we’ve discussed on the blog in the past, dental hygiene should be a whole family goal. As a parent or head of the household, you’re in charge of your teeth and the teeth of everyone living under your roof, so you need to be aware of the best ways to help everyone care for their teeth. In today’s blog, we share five things parents and providers should know about caring for the health of their child’s teeth as they grow.
Caring For Your Child’s Teeth
Here are five things all parents should keep in mind when caring for their children and their developing teeth.
- Start Them Young – It’s a good habit to start helping brush your child’s teeth once they turn one. Begin with a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, and help your child get used to the brushing sensation on their teeth and gums. Even at this age, toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended. For kids 3-6 years old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing.
- First Visit Tips – We usually recommend the first visit at two years of age or unless you see something suspicious before that. When you’re bringing your child to the dentist while they are still young, plan ahead to try and make the visit run smoothly. Avoid setting up appointments during nap time or when they are hungry, and talk with the dentist about how you can help keep your child calm. Once they get the hang of it, there’s nothing to worry about.
- Consider Sealants – Once your child’s adult teeth start to come in, ask your dentist about sealant options. Sealants act as protective outer covering that works to prevent decay and enamel loss. They are very common in today’s society and can save you a lot of money in the long run by helping prevent cavities and tooth decay.
- Make Sure They Are Brushing – Make sure your kids are taking two minutes twice a day to protect their teeth. Ask them if they’ve brushed their teeth, and check their brushes if you aren’t positive they are telling the truth. Talk to them about the importance of oral hygiene and how taking care of their teeth can help with their confidence. As the head of the household, be proactive in ensuring your children are taking the time each day to brush their teeth.
- Develop a Routine – Finally, help your child develop a bathroom routine so caring for their teeth becomes a daily habit. Whether that involves brushing right before you leave the house in the morning or the last thing you do before you head to bed at night, try to help establish a routine so caring for their teeth becomes just another part of the day instead of something they dread doing. For more tips on how to create a dental routine, check out this blog we wrote on the subject.
For more tips on helping your children care for their teeth, or to schedule their next dental appointment, reach out to our team today.