Start Them Young-- Stellar Teeth Brushing!

 Start Them Young-- Stellar Teeth Brushing! 

    Everyone knows that healthy habits are formed through years of repetition, and having good oral hygiene is no different! From the moment that a child’s baby teeth begin to appear, they are at risk of decay. This decay can start whenever the tooth becomes in contact with sugar, which presents itself in mostly everything that a baby or young child drinks (other than water, of course). These sugars can even be found in breastmilk and formula! Failing to clean your child’s new teeth daily can result in painful decay. The good news is, it's as easy as committing to cleaning your child’s teeth twice daily, for two minutes each time, as well as flossing (or water-picking) every day. By making this a part of your daily routine, you are not only protecting your child’s teeth from decay, but you are also instilling within them the knowledge and habit of having good oral hygiene, something that as they get older is truly priceless. 

    Now, we know that teeth brushing is not every child’s favorite thing to do, but it may be made a little bit more fun by allowing them to feel like they are a part of their oral health! Maybe make picking out their tooth brush a fun treat, there are many themed and colorful options on the market. Do make sure though, that the toothbrush is child-sized and has soft bristles. You also should make sure that there is an “ADA Seal of Acceptance” when choosing your dental products, including toothbrushes, floss, toothpastes, and mouthwash. You may even want to ask your dentist or dental hygienist at your next visit if there are any electric toothbrushes that may be the right fit for your child. In order to make sure that your child is brushing for two minutes, teach them to sing their favorite song in their head, or have them practice their counting skills! Having your children feel confident and excited about oral hygiene is important to making sure that their visits to the dentists are smooth and positive experiences. Contact us today with any questions or to set up an appointment!

Prince Frederick Dental Center

410-535-5055