As adults we have the opportunity to help kids develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will serve them well into the future. Today our Glendale pediatric dentists are giving you some simple tips to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Let’s get started!
One of the most important things that you can do is to prevent your child from skipping brushing or flossing sessions. Consistency is key when battling harmful plaque and tartar. Help your child understand that although brushing and flossing both clear away plaque, they are not interchangeable; it’s important to do both for optimal results!
We also want to stress to our young patients that they should be brushing their teeth gently! When we brush too hard, or use abrasive toothbrushes, we risk thinning dental enamel and damaging gum tissue.
The next thing to keep in mind is that both adults and children should be brushing their teeth for at least two minutes every time that they brush. This can feel like a long time for a kid; so it may be helpful for you to play a song that is about two minutes long every time that your child brushes—this will help you make sure that they are being thorough.
Bringing your child in for his or her regularly scheduled professional cleanings will help your child stay healthy. These appointments can also help your child build positive mental and emotional associations with the dentist. Children who receive quality, stress-free dental care are more likely to maintain thorough oral hygiene routines in to adulthood.
Now is the time to talk to your child about oral health, and to help him or her develop healthy habits. If you would like more information, or to schedule a consultation with our dental team, please contact our Glendale dentists to get started!