Good oral care starts at home, and parents play a huge role in building healthy habits. Early care allows children to develop healthy teeth and gums, and for them have confidence in their smile. Preventative dentistry in Duluth includes regular checkups and cleanings, but parents contribute daily and through the creation of habits that matter.
How Do Parents Create Healthy Daily Habits?
Children learn by observing and imitating their parents. Brushing and flossing can be a habit if parents create a routine that kids can include in their day-to-day lives. Some easy ways for parents to help children include:
- Brush as a family so they know it can be fun!
- Using timers or songs that play for two minutes to motivate kids to brush.
- Purchasing child-sized toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste.
- These simple steps show kids that dental care is important and can be fun!
When Should Parents Take Their Kids to a Dentist?
Dental visits should begin early. You should take your child to the dentist by age 1 or when the first tooth appears! Check-ups establish clean teeth. While check-ups create an opportunity to speak with dentists and receive advice throughout children’s oral care and development. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist near you, look in your community for an office that seeks to build an atmosphere where children feel safe and comfortable.
What Role Do Parents Play in Preventing Problems?
Parents have the critical role of addressing the common dental problems. They often help establish habits for us and sometimes make choices related to oral health for their child. For example:
- They can limit sugary snacks and drinks to lower the risk of decay.
- They can encourage drinking water in place of juice to protect enamel.
- They can supervise brushing until it is established to brush their teeth to ensure they can effectively clean their teeth.
If parents are consistent, it will positively affect children’s dental health and be advantageous in their lives.
How can parents help prevent cavities?
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems for children; fortunately, they are preventable when treated correctly. Parents can help children prevent cavities in children by doing the following activities:
- Make appointments for routine dental checkups and cleanings.
- If recommended, ask about fluoride treatments or sealants.
- Assist children with brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
Children who engage in these activities regularly will grow up to have healthy smiles and fewer dental issues.
What Is the Right Way to Teach Kids Dental Hygiene?
Introducing oral health to young children can be very interactive and fun at the same time. Parents can incorporate oral care education into their children’s daily routine by:
- Gamifying the brushing time with a sticker or reward system.
- Explaining the reason oral health matters in very simple terms.
- Finding a storybook or video that describes oral health.
Teaching kids dental hygiene these ways, you can turn learning about dental health into a fun or at least less boring and easier activity to schedule into your routine.
Flossophie Children’s Dentistry: Partners in Healthy Smiles
At Flossophie Children’s Dentistry, we want parents and dental professionals to work together to protect children’s smiles. By supporting your child at home and with the team of trustworthy dental professionals, we can teach kids the skills they need to manage their oral health for life.
We offer friendly routine exams for you and your family, along with gentle care and advice during each developmental stage in childhood for oral health. We can assist your child in a lifetime of healthy living habits by making the dental visit an enjoyable experience. Call Flossophie Children’s Dentistry now to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile for your child.