Daily oral hygiene can be such a drag, especially for those little ones that would rather do just about anything else! Good habits start young, and oral hygiene is a habit that when taught to children will pay off with healthy happy smiles. Here are some tips on how to teach your child great oral hygiene habits and make it fun while you are at it!
- Start early: Caring for an infant’s gum tissue even before their teeth emerge is very important. Once teeth start to erupt it is time to start brushing.
- Explain: Tell the child how to brush and floss, this helps them to understand what you and eventually they will be doing.
- Demonstrate: Show the child how to brush by first doing so on yourself. This will show them that it is not scary and does not hurt.
- Help: Children need help brushing until they have it mastered on their own. Help them out first and then allow them to finish brushing themselves.
Children should be brushing twice daily, and flossing should also be implemented. Help your child with brushing until about age five, and monitor them until around age eight. Make sure your child knows to spit out any excess toothpaste. Most importantly MAKE IT FUN!
- Toothbrush: try implementing an electric toothbrush; these are available in all shapes, and colors, some even play music!
- Toothpaste: kids can be picky about toothpaste flavors, try some different samples to find one they like.
- Mouthwash: Try implementing a kids mouth, some even show where they need to be brushing better.
You should start taking your child to a dentist as early as 1 year old to start getting them used to it. As they get older Dr.Roberts and staff will gradually get them comfortable doing cleanings and xrays. Dr.Roberts recommends your children visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up.
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