Teaching your kids about good oral health care habits is a gift that will serve them throughout their entire lives. By empowering them with the knowledge they need to keep their teeth in their best shape, your kids will grow up with healthier and stronger teeth, which will lead to a healthier life. But how do you know what to teach your kids? When should you start teaching them dental care habits? Find out the answers to these questions and more in today’s blog.
Teaching your kids about good oral health care habits is a gift that will serve them throughout their entire lives.
How to Teach Your Children Proper Dental Care Habits
Dental care should start young
You may be surprised to learn that you should start caring for your child’s oral health before they even have any teeth! This is because even if you cannot yet see them, your child’s teeth are still there and must be taken care of. By the time they are born, a baby has about 20 teeth, they simply have not yet emerged.
Get into the habit of wiping your baby’s gums with a warm, damp washcloth daily. This will help remove harmful bacteria that would otherwise accumulate.
As soon as their first tooth emerges, begin brushing daily with an infant toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste. Do not use too much as it can be harmful when swallowed in large quantities.
By the age of two, your child should be old enough to learn to spit after brushing. At this stage, you can begin teaching them to brush their own teeth and give a little more toothpaste as they become adept at spitting. Do not give them water to swish out their mouths because they are more likely to accidentally swallow the water out of habit.
By the age of three, your child will likely be ready for a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. However, they should still be closely monitored to ensure they are not swallowing their toothpaste.
Continue to monitor your child’s brushing habits until the age of six, or until you are completely confident that they are not at risk of swallowing after brushing. Around this age you should also begin encouraging them to floss daily to reduce the likelihood of gum disease. The use of floss picks instead of dental floss can be easier for tiny hands to maneuver.
Your Olney dentist
Interested in learning more about how cosmetic dentistry can make your smile happier? Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook,Twitter,Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.