Dental care for children all comes down to routine. Having a routine can help you incorporate healthy habits for your kids, especially when it comes to dental hygiene. Summer time can be a little lax when it comes to kids though, right? Without school and normal routines, some of our structure tends to go out the window. But with school starting up again and some sense of normalcy returning to the days, you can help engrain those healthy dental habits for your kids. Chattanooga Preventative dentistry and intentional home care can culminate in a much healthier mouth.
Starting around age 3 you should:
- Help your child brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child spits it out after
- Help your child brush for at least 2 minutes twice per day
- Start helping your child floss his or her teeth when they begin to touch
- Start letting your child brush their teeth with supervision to instill good dental habits
- Visit us at Tedford Family Dentistry every 6 months for cleanings and exams
For older children and preteens:
Encourage your child to practice regular brushing and flossing As your child becomes more conscious of his or her appearance, encourage proper dental care to keep teeth healthy and looking their best Teach them about how good dental hygiene results in fresh breath If your child grinds his or her teeth at night, or plays sports, ensure they have the proper mouth guards to protect their teeth If your child wears braces, make sure he or she flosses and power brushes thoroughly to avoid spots when the braces are removed Remember to stay on top of regular cleanings and exams to avoid costly and painful dental issues
When it comes to preventative dentistry, we’ve got a few more tips for helping teach your children how to both care for their smiles at home and work closely with your family dentist.
- Lead by example! Show your kids how important dental care is to you by practicing good habits, and keeping your regular dental care appointments.
- Reward system. Reward your kids for taking some ownership of their own personal dental hygiene habits. Positive reinforcement can be very helpful in this arena.
- Let them choose their oral care products. When kids get to have a say in which toothbrush and toothpaste they use, it can help them feel more engaged and excited about the process. Make sure dental experiences are positive ones. If your children have negative experiences at the dentist’s office, that may deter them from seeking dental care in the future.
- Make sure you find a dentist to work with who makes your child feel comfortable and safe in that dental chair.
If you are looking for exceptional dental care and preventative dentistry, come see our excellent staff at Tedford Family Dentistry in Ooltewah. We will take great care of your family!