Good oral health is vital for a child's overall well-being. Establishing proper dental habits is essential to lay the foundation that kids need for good oral care for the rest of their lives. These crucial tips from a pediatric dentist will help promote superb oral health.

Brushing Daily

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily. Your child should brush their teeth every morning after breakfast and again before bed at night. Younger children often need help brushing hard-to-see areas like their back teeth. A great way to do this is to let your child brush their teeth first and then do some additional brushing of your own to get any spots they missed.

Checkups

Children need to have dental checkups bi-annually, or possibly more often if their pediatric dentist recommends it. During these checkups, a dentist can make recommendations, such as if your little one needs help brushing. They can also apply a fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities and check on current dental situations, such as an underbite or overbite.

Fun Times

Make it fun for your child to take care of their teeth. Time them brushing their teeth by playing their favorite song or singing a nursery rhyme. Alternatively, you can use a small timer in a fun shape to help your child keep track of how long to brush their teeth. It's also a good idea to give them an electric toothbrush or a toothbrush with their favorite character on it to make brushing more fun.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating habits play an essential role in oral hygiene. Children should not eat large amounts of sugar or junk food. These foods can slowly erode tooth enamel, making children more susceptible to cavities. Dentists can give you excellent tips on healthy snacks that your children will love.

Drinking Water

What your children drink also plays a significant role in their oral health. Limit fruit juice because it has a lot of acid and sugar, which is terrible for the teeth. Sugary soft drinks should also be off-limits for young children. Water is the best thing that children can drink for healthy teeth. Flavored water is a great option to promote good health in a fun way.

Working with a pediatric dentist can help you learn everything you need to know to keep your kid's teeth healthy. Contact Pediatric Dental Specialists to schedule your first appointment today!

Posted July 13, 2023