The foundation of a healthy smile starts with good oral habits. We’re here to provide guidance and expertise when it comes to your child’s oral health. From hygiene to preventive care, we’ve got you covered.
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Why are good oral habits important for kids?
The oral habits your child establishes when they're young will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Great at-home oral hygiene helps prevent common issues like gum disease and cavities, and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Because of this, it’s really important to make sure your child brushes and flosses regularly, and comes into our office every 6 months for a checkup.
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Did you know…
Kids can usually start brushing their teeth on their own around the age of 5-6, or whenever they can tie their shoes on their own.
Regular Cleanings & Checkups
The ADA recommends bringing your child in for their first dental appointment by the time they turn one, or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. From there, they should return for regular cleanings and checkups to ensure their continued healthy development.
When to Wean
It is recommended that you wean your little one off of the baby bottles and pacifiers before their second birthday. Continued use of baby bottles can cause their teeth to grow in at improper angles, and lead to further complications down the line.
Thumb-Sucking: When It Should Stop
Thumb-sucking is a natural behavior that many children display; it is a comfort mechanism that is completely normal. However, if they haven’t stopped sucking their thumb by age 4, they could develop dental and speech problems as a result.
Diet & Nutrition
Making sure that your child eats a healthy diet can do so much good for their oral health and development. Avoid sugary, sticky foods and drinks as they can easily cause cavities and decay. Encourage them to munch on whole fruits and vegetables, cheese, nuts, yogurt, and other healthy snacks to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition they need!
The Benefits of Good Oral Habits
Prevent Common Oral Health Issues
Tooth decay is the #1 most common preventable oral health condition in kids and in dental patients of all ages. The good news is that with a healthy diet, good oral habits, and routine visits to the dentist, cavities are completely avoidable.
Save Time & Money
If your child takes good care of their teeth, they're less likely to have problems like cavities or infected teeth. That means you won’t have to pay for procedures like fillings and crowns, and your little one won’t have to make as many visits to the dentist as they grow up.
Set Your Child Up For Success
What you learn as a child sticks with you. So if you encourage your children to brush regularly, floss daily, and see the dentist every 6 months, they’ll continue these habits into adulthood. That sets them up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!
3 Steps Toward Better Oral Habits
Brush Twice A Day For Two Minutes
As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, start brushing it with a dab of fluoride toothpaste. Once they’ve got all their teeth, make sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and clean each surface thoroughly. Kids can usually brush on their own around the age of 5-6, but you should keep an eye on them to make sure they're brushing consistently and doing a good job.
Floss Once Per Day
Once your child has all of their teeth, start flossing them once per day. Flossing removes bacteria and buildup between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Learning to floss properly can be tough for younger kids, so you may need to floss for them until they're around 10 years old.
Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet helps prevent common oral health problems like cavities. Your child should avoid sweet and sugary drinks and snacks. Encourage them to eat things like cheese, yogurt, lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoiding processed foods and sugary/starchy snacks helps prevent cavities and gum disease, and will help improve both your child’s oral and overall health!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child stop using a bottle?
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You should start weaning your baby off bottles and pacifiers between the ages of 12-24 months. Start off by switching to a sippy cup before transitioning to an open cup once they turn two years old.
Is it normal for my child to suck their thumb?
Yes. While it is completely normal for children to suck their thumbs or fingers as a soothing mechanism, they should stop around the ages of 3-4 years old. If they continue thumb-sucking past the age of 4, it can lead to dental and speech problems.
When should I schedule my child's first dentist appointment?
The ADA recommends bringing your child in for their first visit by the time their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. At these early visits, we can ensure their teeth and jaw are developing properly, and address any minor issues before they become big ones. Plus, by starting their dental visits early, they are more likely to develop a positive relationship with their oral health.
