Are you looking for ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy? We talk to parents daily about the importance of good dental hygiene routines for their kids. Often we are asked if baby teeth really matter. Although they fall out, decay in baby teeth can cause cavities and the same habits will result in cavities in their adult teeth.
Here are 5 ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy:
1. Routine Dental Check ups
It is recommended that your child’s first dental visit be booked once their first tooth is visible or on their first birthday. In most cases, a dental exam every six months will allow us to recognize any concerns at an early stage. As well, it allows your child to become familiar with our office and our dental team. Because a positive experience for your child will also ensure they have good oral health.
2. Healthy Diet
A well balanced diet is very important for children as they are at a time in their life where they are constantly growing and learning. As well, good nutrition is equally as important for their developing teeth as eating or drinking too much sugar can cause tooth decay. Therefore, keeping healthy sugar free snacks handy is a great way to limit sugars.
3. Stop using a pacifier or thumb sucking by age 2
It is normal for babies to suck on a pacifier or their thumb because it has a soothing effect. By two years of age your child should have a less of a need for this habit. A pacifier is better than thumb sucking because you can control when and how your child uses a pacifier unlike a thumb going into the mouth. If a child keeps sucking a pacifier or thumb it can affect the development of their jaws, as well as the position of their teeth.
4. Be consistent with brushing and flossing
Although at times it can be difficult to keep a routine, it is important to be consistent with your brushing and flossing routines. Also, you can try to make brushing fun for your child and even into a game with the use of disclosing solutions that highlight any areas that were missed during brushing. In addition, there are many toothbrushes to choose from with different characters or that play music. This could help make your child look forward to brushing.
5. Be a Role Model
Children will mimic what their parents do. Thus, it’s important to show your child how you prioritize brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing together is a great way to set an example.
Building a strong foundation for your child’s oral health early is a great way to set them up for success through adulthood.