Even though February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, you should be helping your children take care of their teeth all year long. Read on to learn five tips you can use to instill good dental hygiene habits in your children. And for all your dental needs, make sure you see the friendly dental team at Trident Dental in Houston.
1. Start good habits early
Even before your children’s teeth emerge, you can take care of their gums by gently washing them with a soft cloth. Then as their teeth appear, you can gently brush them and teach your children how to take care of their teeth. As they get older and their teeth develop, you can let them brush and then add flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. You can reward them with fun toothbrushes, special toothpaste, and dental hygiene products that feature their favorite characters.
2. Be a role model
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Keep a kid-friendly timer in the bathroom, and brush your teeth with your children. You can show them how you floss your teeth, and you can help them use floss themselves. You can even make it a game to remove the germs or “bugs” in their mouths.
Also, it’s important to show your children that going to the dentist isn’t scary or painful. Even if you get a little nervous about going to the dentist yourself, put on a brave face and demonstrate that taking care of your teeth is an important thing to do.
3. Limit sugary foods
The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar, and even with the best dental hygiene habits, you and your children may end up with too much bacteria on your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. If you limit sugary foods, you’ll also reduce the food supply for the bacteria in your mouth.
4. Get enough fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that is added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and your drinking water. Fluoride hardens your tooth enamel, which makes it more resistant to decay and cavities. Most of the tap water in Houston is fluoridated, but if you want to make sure your family is getting enough to protect your teeth, talk to your dentist.
5. Have regular appointments with a pediatric dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are an essential part of preventive dental care. You can bring your children to the friendly dentists at Trident Dental when their first teeth erupt.
Starting dental visits early will allow your child to develop a relationship with the dentists and hygienists at Trident Dental, so they will know who they’re going to see and what to expect when they have an appointment.
The dentists can monitor your children’s dental development and provide advice on brushing, flossing, and orthodontic care. Routine checkups will also allow the dentists to spot decay or other problems early.
To get top-notch dental care for your family, book an appointment online or over the phone with Trident Dental today.