It’s important to start your children on the path to good oral health for the rest of their lives. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds. The following tips will help you more effectively maintain your child’s oral health, especially when they are too young to do it themselves.
Start Brushing Early
Too many parents wait until their children actually have teeth to start brushing them and to take them to the dentist. While this can be a suitable option, it is typically best to begin wiping down your baby’s gums from an early age. This ensures your child gets use to someone cleaning inside their mouth so they feel more comfortable in the future.
Brush and Floss Daily
It is especially important to train your child to brush and floss his or her teeth on a regular basis, typically two times a day. Encourage brushing in the morning and brushing and flossing every evening. You should be doing this task instead of allowing your child to do it. If they want to help, be sure you finish the job to ensure it is done properly, but help them learn how to do it for themselves when they are older.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride is an important element in long-term dental health. Your water may have fluoride, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist about whether additional fluoride is required for your child. In most cases, you should be using toothpaste that is fortified by fluoride to give your child the best start on a lifetime of oral health.
Maintaining good oral health can be complicated when it comes to children. As a parent, it’s your job to ensure they get the help they need and are trained to take good care of their teeth as they grow.
If you’re looking for a quality pediatric dentist, contact us. We can provide the dental care your child requires.