Your son and daughter are primed to learn – they soak up new facts like sponges and you’re always surprised how quickly they catch on, no matter what topic they’re engaged in. That’s why it’s so important to teach kids proper oral hygiene habits when they’re young – the dental care routine you and your dentist in Jonesboro instill in your children now can last throughout their lives. In this post, Dr.Yarnell explains why baby teeth matter and sets your family up for a lifetime of dental success with these easy tips.
Why Does Oral Hygiene For Children Matter?
Since baby teeth eventually fall out, some parents may wonder if proper oral hygiene is important for kids. Although they’ll lose these dental placeholders, taking care of children’s teeth is vital for the following reasons:
- Tooth Decay – Children are still developing their motor skills like hand-eye coordination – combine this with the amount of sugary treats they eat and drink, and you have a surefire recipe for tooth decay. Since tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to cavities in adult dentitions, it’s important to start a healthy dental care regimen when kids are young.
- Pain – Cavities can hurt regardless of what age a patient is. Teaching your son or daughter the right techniques for maintaining their teeth can keep your child pain free.
- Lifelong Smile – Since baby teeth save the places for adult teeth to come in and are essential for proper tooth alignment, it’s important to keep these as healthy as possible to give your child the best chance at developing a winning adult smile.
What Oral Hygiene Habits Can I Teach My Children?
Dr. Yarnell recommends following the tips below to educate your kids on how to keep their teeth happy for all their days:
- 2×2 – Make sure your child brushes gently for two minutes, twice a day – floss each time they brush. Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste and encourage your children not to swallow this, since you don’t want too much of a good thing when it comes to fluoride.
- Visit Your Dentist – Make sure your son or daughter sees their children’s dentist in Jonesboro twice a year. Since tooth issues can develop as soon as teeth arrive in the mouth, the American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first appointment no later than their first birthday.
- Eat Healthy – Since kids need vital nutrients like calcium and magnesium for proper bone development (including teeth), eat a balanced diet that’s low in sugar. Choose leafy greens, high-protein snacks, and dairy products – cheese is especially great since it can help prevent cavities. Stick to water for beverages, since sweet drinks (including juice) bathe your child’s teeth in sugar the entire time they drink.
- Lead by Example – If you tell your kids their teeth are important, but you rarely see the dentist, skimp on flossing, or are a smoker yourself, your kids will pick up that message. Brush and floss right alongside your children, practice proper nutrition, and stop using tobacco products ASAP, since these contribute to oral cancer.
Now that you know why building the right oral hygiene habits in your children is so essential, schedule an appointment today for your son or daughter – or for anyone in your entire family – to give them a smile that will last a lifetime.