We all want the best for our children; especially when it comes to their health. This includes pediatric dental health. There are a lot of ways we can help our children to create positive dental health routines. However, it will take some time before they are caring for their teeth in an ideal manner. Even simple brushing can be a struggle. Here are three of the most important, simple tips for keeping your child’s dental care under control while they are still learning the ropes.
1. Early Intro
As much as we love to watch our children learn, teaching them new skills gets frustrating. To best avoid the struggling stubbornness of a toddler, introduce dental hygiene as early as possible. Yes, you can even care for a newborn’s dental hygiene. A gentle massage of the gums with a wet cloth is beneficial in keeping bacteria from lurking about. This also helps set a routine early in life so that dental care never comes as a surprise.
Your child should have their first dental visit as early as one and before they are two. Introducing your child to the professional side of dental care at an early age helps familiarize them with the process. Once you’ve got them into their first appointment make sure you keep up with the biannual routine to keep dental visits a regular and positive experience.
2. Night Time Routine
We know it is nearly impossible to get your children to properly brush their teeth twice daily. The routine will be far from perfect, especially in the early stages. You don’t want to push them too hard, but you don’t want their hygiene to suffer for it. If your child is fighting brushing time or being neglectful, make sure to stress the night time brush. It is ideal to brush our teeth both morning and night, but the night time brush is by far the most important. Right before bed, brushing, flossing and rinsing away the debris of the day is monumental when it comes to pediatric dental health.
For younger kids, try letting them brush their own teeth in the morning to keep the routine alive and to give them the independence they crave. Then take over for the night time brushing. Take turns with the toothbrush or let them know you are helping them clean their teeth. For older kids, stress the importance of brushing at night. Try using a timer or following up brushing with an appropriate rinse.
3. Diet
One of the very best things you can do for pediatric dental health has nothing to do with your child’s dental hygiene routine. An appropriate, healthy diet keeps teeth strong and protected. Avoid products with high sugar, starch or acidic content. Limit your child’s juice intake and increase their water intake. Try serving treats with meals rather than by themselves. Even a simple adjustment to your child’s diet can make a world of difference.
At Eagle Rock Dental Care we know how important your child’s dental health is. We will treat your family as if they were our own. Contact us today to get on our schedule or simply request your appointment online. We look forward to working with you!
