Good dental hygiene should start at an early age if you want your child to have a healthy smile that’s maintained for a lifetime. Many dentists suggest that you start teaching your child how to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as there’s a sign of a tooth coming in. Just like adults, the habit for children should be to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Many dentists recommend that children also brush their teeth after every meal, just as adults should.
When promoting good dental hygiene for children, it’s generally best to lead by example. As you probably know, children tend to mimic what they see. It’s not enough to tell them what to do, you should show them how by brushing your own teeth. While it’s often difficult for a child to brush their teeth because they have not quite developed the motor skills needed to do so effectively, you can help them along the way until they are about six years old. You can get more helpful tips by contacting a dental office that specializes in kids dentistry saint matthews ky.
When teaching a child how to brush their teeth, you should demonstrate brushing for a period of approximately two to three minutes, while moving the toothbrush in a small circular motion. It’s natural for a child to brush up and down, but that’s not the appropriate method for ensuring their teeth are nice and clean. A circular motion without pressing down to hard is the best method for children.
The type of toothpaste that should be used for children might depend on different factors. While many dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste, there are sometimes health issues stemming from the consumption of fluoride from toothpaste. In fact, some dentists recommend a different type of toothpaste to avoid dental fluorosis. If you choose a toothpaste without fluoride, you will have to ensure your child consumes fluoride from a different source. Your dentist can help you understand the different options that are available.
Another way to promote good dental hygiene starting at a young age is to pay close attention to what your child puts in his or her mouth. While this might seem obvious, there are often items that can damage a child’s mouth and parents are unaware, such as certain utensils and toys. Additionally, it’s not a good idea to allow children to consume products that contain a lot of sugar because it damages their teeth.
An important way of promoting good dental hygiene with children is to ensure you keep up with annual dental appointments. Your child’s dentist should monitor their teeth to ensure everything is in order. One of the reasons why it’s important is because it can prevent major issues down the road, such as cavities and gum disease. It will probably take time for your child to become accustomed to visiting the dentist, but everything will be fine after a while.