As a parent, you have many things to think about all the time! Your child's oral health may not always be at the top of your list, however it is important for a number of reasons. Baby teeth have important work to do. They help your child learn to speak and navigate solid foods. They also hold space for and guide adult teeth into position when it's time. Promoting good oral hygiene for your child is important, and here's some tips from your children's dentist in Prosper, TX on how you can help your child at home.
Begin Brushing Early
You should start brushing your child's teeth as soon as they appear. Not only does this keep their baby teeth clean and healthy, it begins to acclimate them to the sensations of brushing their teeth right away. Use a soft bristle baby brush, and you'll want to avoid toothpaste with fluoride until they're able to spit.
Lead By Example
Make brushing fun, and let them watch you brush your own teeth. When your child sees you practicing good oral hygiene, they're going to want to follow your example. They'll need help brushing and flossing their teeth until around the age of 7-8 years old.
Use Fun Products
Let your child choose some of their oral products. There are a lot of fun toothbrushes out there and some of them even sing! You can make sure that the toothbrush they choose is child size with soft bristles, however let them decide which characters or colors they want on their brushes. Electric brushes have timers and do most of the hard work for your child, so they are a good option to consider for older children.
Regular Dental Visits
Children should see the dentist every six months just like adults starting around their first birthday. These early appointments are important for building a foundation of trust at the dental office. This will set your child up for future success at their dental visits and a lifetime of optimum oral health.
Your team at Prosper Smiles Family Dentistry loves to see children, and our goal is to make every visit to our office comfortable and upbeat for them. Give us a call today to schedule your child's next appointment.