Tooth Friendly Tips for Long-Term Care of A Child's Teeth

Are you a parent worrying about your children and their dental care? You are not alone. County Dental is here to help you have one less worry by supporting you and your family with the best dental care.

What’s the First Step in Taking Care of My Child’s Teeth?

You may not notice it, but kids tend to mimic the behaviors of their elders. They notice when and what you eat or drink. They also notice when and how often you brush and floss. Establishing good oral health care habits are important to lifelong dental care. What better way for kids to learn proper tips, then from the way their parents take care of their teeth?

First off, help your child get in the routine of going to the dentist by going once their first tooth arrives or before their first birthday.

Oral B’s dental health blog states, primary teeth are essential in keeping your child’s jaw straight, hold space for adult teeth and in helping children learn how to chew, smile and talk. Having healthy teeth is also a confidence booster for any age.

What Age Can My Child Brush Alone?

Experts recommend not allowing children to brush their teeth alone until age 7. First, it’s recommended to let them try it themselves and then follow up by helping them brush and floss after that. Have a good routine is essential to consistent and proper dental care. County Dental recommends a morning and night specific schedule. Make it a family event!

The act of brushing teeth is not something that kids are typically enthusiastic about. That’s why leading by example with enthusiasm about daily dental care is the best way to prevent tooth decay in children. It’s ok to mix fun with the importance of brushing their teeth by letting them choose an ADA approved fun toothpaste and toothbrush!

What They Eat and Drink Makes a Big Difference

Drinking water is a big factor in helping to prevent tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association, fluoridated water can reduce the number of cavities children get in their baby teeth.

Colgate’s dental health blog recommends involving your children in buying or growing your food. What better way to get them involved, and let them help you prepare meals!

Don’t go grocery shopping without your kids. That may sound crazy but there’s a good reason. The Colgate blog recommends giving kids a list of healthy snacks they can choose from at the grocery story. At home, put the snacks in a special box with their names on each box.

If you want to give them a special treat, save a fun snack like candy, cookies and other desserts for after a regular meal. Why? Saliva is greater and will help in protecting those teeth! Remember, these are ok once and a while but regular usage of these types of snacks can negatively impact teeth and gums.

Creativity and patience can help your children find it fun and important to take care of their teeth and make it last into their adulthood! Rewarding a child for going to the dentist is not recommended, but as part of the dental visit include other activities, such as going to the movies, the park or another fun destination before or after your appointment.

We want to help your kids get the best dental care treatment possible. Contact your local County Dental New York office today by visiting www.countydental.com if you have any questions. We can’t wait to hear from you.