Oral Hygiene Tips from a Kid Friendly Dentist

A good kid friendly dentist goes beyond preventive and restorative treatments. This dental care professional can educate parents and children about proper oral care. Learning these techniques can help create a positive experience for the child. Here are some oral hygiene tips you can get from your kid friendly dentist.

Incorporate fun into oral care

Studies show that kids tend to stick to a specific activity if they enjoy it. Children can choose toothbrushes and toothpaste with attractive colors or characters. Fluoridated toothpaste comes in various flavors for kids. A kid friendly dentist will encourage parents to make oral care entertaining by singing songs during the routine. Make a chart and use stickers to track flossing and brushing. Provide small rewards by the end of each week.

Teach the child about oral health early in life

Teaching the child about oral health should start early. A kid friendly dentist recommends starting this activity during infancy or toddlerhood. Make them aware of oral care before the baby's teeth erupt. This early education should start at six to twelve months of age. Clean the child’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after every feeding.

Keep regular dental appointments

Bring the child to the kid friendly dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups. This practice is vital to their oral health. The dentist will inspect the child’s mouth and detect issues early. Doing so will prevent the issue from worsening. The dentist will also clean the child’s teeth with professional tools. Answering the parent’s questions is also part of each visit.

Set an example

Research reveals that children are like sponges. They absorb new information immediately. Children also learn the most by example. That is why the kid friendly dentist encourages parents to always practice good oral care. Let the child see that the parents are brushing and flossing properly.

Be patient

Children will need time to develop good oral care habits. The kid friendly dentist will remind parents to be patient about this. Always gently remind the child of the proper way to floss and brush. Guide their hands repeatedly as needed.

Limit the intake of sugary drinks and food

Be sure to serve healthy foods and beverages to children. Make sugary snacks as treats. Serve plain water all day. This flavorless and colorless drink washes away food particles. It also helps buffer the bacterial acids in the mouth. A significantly low amount of sugar will prevent the child from developing serious oral conditions.

Give words of encouragement

Always praise the child for flossing and brushing. These words will encourage them to learn proper oral care techniques. Mastering them will be more than enough reason to cheer them on. Positive feedback from parents will make the child feel good about practicing oral hygiene. They will likely keep on practicing the healthy habit.