Oral hygiene is the cornerstone of dental care and it should begin when your child’s first tooth comes in. As a parent, it is important to support your child’s oral care with daily hygiene and regular dental visits for disease prevention and treatment. There are also habits you should practice (or avoid) that support good oral hygiene for your child.
First, ensure they don’t neglect their oral hygiene. This starts as an infant. Before they even have teeth it is important to take a damp cloth and gently rub around your child’s gums. As they grow, make sure that you set a daily routine to clean their teeth. They should brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time.
Second, reduce the amount of sugary food and drinks they consume. Besides the effect it has on overall health, sugar is also a prime food source for disease-causing oral bacteria. You can reduce the sugar available for bacterial growth by avoiding sugary snacks and limiting sweet foods to mealtimes. Less sugar means less bacterial growth—and a lower risk of tooth decay for your child.
Third, make sure they have regular dental checkups. Visiting the dentist is important. You should schedule a cleaning and exam every 6 months to ensure proper oral care. Starting dental visits early will help you stay ahead of any developing tooth decay or other oral hygiene problems. And just as important, your child will have an easier time “warming up” to the dental office environment at a younger age than if you wait. Dental visit anxiety, on the other hand, could continue into adulthood and interfere with regular dental care.
Here at Canyon Creek Dentistry, your child’s smile is important to us. We always make sure our patients are happy and comfortable. If it is your child’s first visit to the dentist or if you are trying to get back on track with their dental visits, we are here for you. Be sure to schedule an appointment today.