A Getting Started Guide to Your Child’s Oral Hygiene

Getting kids to care for their oral health at home can sometimes be like, well, pulling teeth. That’s why instilling excellent hygiene practices from the start is so important. Here’s how to help teach them to take care of their teeth and gums on their own, so that they can look forward to a lifetime of beautiful smiles!

Get an Early Start

Believe it or not, you should begin brushing your child’s teeth before the first one even erupts. To get babies comfortable with brushing, experts recommend you wipe their gums after each meal with a damp washcloth or mouth wipe. This will help to clear away debris, bacteria, and residue left behind from their food, as well as get them used to having someone clean their mouth.

The First Tooth

Once your child’s first tooth erupts, you should begin brushing it regularly with a baby toothbrush and gel. They should also make their first visit to the pediatric dentist, either after the first tooth arrives or they turn one year old, whichever happens first. Though there may not be much for their dentist to examine, this visit will help to make your child comfortable with the dentist and with someone looking and working inside their mouth.

Valuable Lessons

As you care for your child’s teeth, be sure to explain to them the importance of excellent oral hygiene. Keeping their teeth and gums clean can help prevent a variety of oral and overall health problems, including gum disease and permanent tooth loss. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because your child only has baby teeth these are not important. Losing a baby tooth early can cause many issues including crowding that can be very problematic as your child grows.

Practicing Proper Technique

Another important element to teaching your child to care for their smile is teaching them how to brush and floss properly. While you should certainly do this for them until they are old enough to do so themselves, consider letting them watch you complete your own oral hygiene routine. This way they can not only see how to do it, but also that their heroes do it, too!

Make it Fun!

Finally, don’t make oral hygiene something to dread. Keep it fun for your child by letting them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste. You can even make a game of it, download a fun brushing timer app, or create a rewards chart to empower them to care for their teeth on their own!

Remember, getting an early start to oral health is the best way to protect your child’s smile and ensure the health of their teeth and gums for a lifetime. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance with any aspect of oral health care for your family, please reach out to your family dentist for help!

About Our Practice

At Chester County Dental Arts, our team of skilled dentists are proud to help your entire family showcase their best and brightest smiles. We treat patients of all ages, ranging from baby’s first tooth to dental implants, dentures, and more.

You can trust the skilled and caring team at Chester County Dental Arts for a lifetime of smiles. To schedule your child’s appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 610-383-1600.