Along with taking your child to a kid friendly dentist, you need to focus on daily at-home habits. Consistent good oral health practices will lead to good oral health and overall wellness for your son or daughter. To help you and your child establish the right routines, the dentist can offer important suggestions. You can talk to the dentist about your questions or concerns at your child’s next wellness visit.
Taking care of teeth and gums should start early in life. The sooner a child develops good habits, the more likely these practices will continue and lead to sound health. Healthy, strong teeth and gums will produce a pleasant smile and reduce the risk of decay and disease. Children who have good oral hygiene are less prone to having bad breath. Taking care of the mouth will also keep infections away, which can also promote good cardiovascular health.
From the time a child’s first tooth emerges, daily brushing is essential. Parents should help young children brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride-based toothpaste. Brushing is vital before bedtime. It is also wise for children to brush after mealtime. Kids should spend about two minutes brushing, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Going in a circular motion, the child should brush every side of every tooth.
Too many children forget to floss regularly. Parents should remind their kids of this task and should help when necessary. Flossing does not have to occur as often as brushing, though this should take place once a day. Flossing keeps teeth and gums healthy by removing the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
Speaking of brushing teeth, any kid friendly dentist will advise children not to use the same toothbrush too long. Kids should replace their toothbrush about every three months. The brush will become dirty and may eventually spread bacteria from the bristles throughout the mouth. The bristles will also become frayed, which will not be as effective as firm ones.
Most kids do not look forward to visiting the dentist. This can be an anxious, nervous time. However, these appointments are vital to maintaining sound oral health. At a wellness checkup, the hygienist will clean the teeth and polish them. The dentist will examine the teeth and gums. This allows the dentist to identify any growing concerns. The dentist can then recommend the right treatment to correct the problem.
For many kids, good oral health starts with establishing habits. As a parent, if you can help your child learn the value of brushing and flossing, you and your child will see the benefits. Follow these tips so your child can enjoy strong, healthy, beautiful teeth and gums. Then, visit the kid friendly dentist every six months for a checkup and examination.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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