5 Things Parents Should Know About Teaching Dental Hygiene to Their Kids

This is a collaborative post. 

One of the most important things for keeping cavities and gum disease at bay is brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, children do not always realize the importance of taking care of their oral hygiene. When children neglect their oral care practices, their smile health can begin to suffer. It is important parents get involved and stay involved to help their children learn how to brush and floss correctly.

Dental Hygiene Is Essential for Everyone

Although children need to know how to take care of their dental hygiene needs, these practices are essential at any age. When a person learns how to care for their teeth and gums at an early age, they will be more likely to continue this care for the rest of their lives. In addition to teaching children how to brush and floss, it is essential parents take their children to the Pediatric Dentist.

5 Things Parents Should Know About Teaching Their Child to Care for Their Smile

When a baby first develops its teeth, it is important parents brush the baby’s teeth with a gentle toothbrush to remove any food residue. Once a child is old enough to start brushing, it is the parents’ job to teach the child how to take care of their teeth. The following offers five things parents need to know about teaching their children to have a healthy smile.

1. Kids need to start brushing their teeth around the age of two to three, depending on how well they can hold a toothbrush. Although a child at this age can begin to care for their teeth, parents must supervise. Dentists advise parents to allow their child to try brushing first and then the parents should take over and finish the job.
2. A child needs to start seeing the dentist as soon as their first birthday. Many parents make the mistake of not taking their children to the dentist until they are ready to start school. Dental visits from infancy will help to ensure the oral development of the child is protected.
3. Cavity prevention for children begins at home. Parents need to make sure their children are brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day. It is also important to limit sugary drinks and candy since these can cause acidic plaque formation.
4. Some dental issues can be hereditary. If the parent suffers from frequent cavities and gum disease, the child may be more prone to their development. If oral health concerns run in the family, make sure to tell the dentist so special preventative care can be given.
5. Planning ahead is essential as children grow. The older a child becomes, the more involved the dental visits will become. Dental checkups may be needed twice a year or more frequently, depending on the child’s oral health.

Start Brushing Now

Brushing a child’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will help remove food residue and tartar which can start to eat away at a child’s teeth and cause erosions to develop. Erosions will eventually turn to decay without dental treatment.

When parents model proper brushing and flossing care, children will learn how to care for their teeth and help ensure oral health issues will not begin to develop at an early age. Children that go to the dentist often are less likely to develop decay and gum disease, so it is important to schedule regular dental checkups.