Starting Preventive Dental Care Early

At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to educate our patients and their families about the importance of starting preventive care at an early age. Think of preventive care as an investment in your oral health of the future – a good routine can help protect against a variety of potential issues and ensure your child is on the right path towards a lifetime of great health.

Benefits of Starting Oral Hygiene Early

For babies and young children, establishing a preventive care routine early on will:

• Protect their baby teeth, which guide in their growing permanent teeth and help them develop proper speech and chewing habits
• Ensure that their adult teeth grow in healthy and strong
• Encourage your child to establish a lifelong habit of practicing good dental hygiene

Cleaning Your Child’s Mouth

It’s never too early to care for your child’s oral health. Even as infants, you should be taking time to clean their gums with a damp cloth to keep their mouth healthy. As their baby teeth grow in, begin brushing their teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Be sure to use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed to reach all of their teeth and gently brush each and every one. As soon as your child has two teeth touching, begin flossing every day. If you need any tips, ask our friendly team!

Teaching Your Child to Brush on Their Own

As your child grows, teach them how to brush and floss on their own. If they need a little extra motivation, allow them to pick the flavor of their toothpaste and the color of their toothbrush, or even try to create a game that goes along with their oral care routine. Be patient and encourage your children to establish a regular routine to get them used to brushing and flossing at the same time every day. A good preventive care regimen helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and other dental issues.

Bring Your Child to See Us Every 6 Months

Of course, preventive care isn’t just for children – folks of all ages should be brushing their teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, flossing each day, and visiting the dentist every six months. Is it time for your child’s six-month checkup? Contact us to schedule your little one’s next visit to our office!

Categorised in: Brushing, Cavity Prevention, Healthy Teeth, Kids Dental Care, Kids Teeth, Preventive Dental Care