Why it’s important to develop Good Dental Hygiene Habits Young

It’s easy to imagine the effects that sweets and sugary drinks have on children’s dental health. Genetics play a major role in a child’s oral health as well. If you have gum disease, it is more likely your child will develop it too. Teaching children proper dental hygiene habits is the most effective step a parent can take to help children learn prevention care.  February is Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month, making it a great time to start, if you haven’t already.

For infants, you can start to teach cleaning habits as soon as the teeth emerge by rubbing the appearing teeth using a warm washrag. By six months the bottom row of teeth begin to appear, and by twelve months the top teeth will grow in, if they haven’t already. It’s recommended that children see the dentist by the first birthday to ensure the teeth are growing in properly.  As children grow are older they can begin brushing teeth more and more on their own.

Did you know if you are just brushing your teeth, you are only cleaning 70% of teeth surfaces? That is why it is also important to teach children to add flossing and a fluoride rinse to their routine. You can start teaching your child flossing habits as soon as the teeth start touching to make sure all the nooks and crannies are kept clean.

Having children visit the dentist while they are young will also help prevent dental anxiety.  Establishing a routine, as well help to ensure the teeth are growing in healthy.

Tips on teaching better dental hygiene habits:

• Supervise a child’s brushing to ensure proper technique is being used and implemented.

• Pick a song that lasts about 2 minutes to make brushing fun and meet the recommended time for brushing.

• Let kids pick out their own toothbrush

• Try an electronic toothbrush with a built-in music player or timer that can be set to 2-minutes

• Take turns and show children how you brush

Not sure if you’re brushing your teeth the right way? Stop in to have our dental staff give you and your child a quick lesson up on proper brushing and flossing techniques. It may take some time to get the routine down but investing the time and effort teaching children good dental have will have lasting results and lead to a healthier life.