For kids, establishing good oral hygiene habits as early as possible is crucial. Not only will doing so make trips to the dentist much easier, but it will also prevent issues like cavities and gum disease from developing. The following tips will help you instill in your children the importance of dental care.

Do:

Limit the use of pacifiers.

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking can have detrimental effects on a child’s oral development. You should begin limiting these behaviors around age two and wean them off the habit by about age four. 

Use kid-friendly products.

If your child is reluctant about brushing, look for kid-friendly products. For instance, children’s toothbrushes have smaller heads to ensure they can clean their teeth correctly. You can also buy toothpaste designed with them in mind, which comes in fun flavors.

Schedule the first dentist visit early.

The first dental exam should occur by the child’s first birthday or at the eruption of the first tooth, whichever happens first. Getting an early start will assuage common fears about the doctor, while also making you aware of any potential issues. 

Don’t:

Neglect to set a good example.

Your child will follow your behavior when it comes to dental care. Set a good example by scheduling regular visits to the dentist and brushing and flossing daily. 

Use punishment when dental care is lacking.

Positive reinforcement is the way to go when encouraging good oral hygiene. Refrain from punishing your child for poor dental habits, which could act as a deterrent to proper care.

Forget to provide a healthy diet.

Diet plays a significant role in oral health. Focus on providing your children with healthy snacks, like fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed foods with a lot of sugar. Also, make sure they drink plenty of water to wash away bacteria and food debris.

Gladstein Dental Center in New Britain, CT, has been serving families for more than 28 years. Along with preventive care aimed at younger patients, they offer restorative services to address more extensive dental needs, including root canals to preserve teeth, extractions to treat instances of significant decay, and dental implants to restore your smile. If you’d like to schedule an appointment today, call (860) 223-1162. You can also visit them online for more information on how they can assist.