Good oral hygiene starts at an early age. Whatever habits parents set for their children will likely stick with them their entire lives. So how do you take care of your child’s teeth to make sure they’re set up for success? Read on to learn more about dental health for your children!

Begin taking your child to the dentist starting when their first tooth comes in or around their first birthday. It just depends on which comes first. This will get your child in the habit of getting regular cleanings and allow the dentist to examine their mouth early and often. It is recommended by the ADA to schedule dental cleanings every six months.

Allow your child to brush their own teeth under your guidance so they can learn how to do it themselves. This allows them to learn how to maneuver their toothbrush in their mouth and remove plaque. If needed, brush their teeth again afterward to ensure anything left behind doesn’t sit for too long. You don’t want whatever they ate to rest there until the next brushing. Shoot for two times a day, once in the morning, and once at night.

Additionally, brushing after eating foods that are especially sugary or sticky helps fight off plaque and tartar. You want to stay clear of that because it eats away at the teeth enamel and causes cavities. If your child doesn’t have teeth yet, running a wet washcloth over their gums will remove harmful bacteria.

Flossing is of the utmost importance to your child’s oral health. Flossing helps dislodge food and plaque that brushing won’t get otherwise. Flossing two times a day will keep your child’s gums and teeth looking and feeling their best.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel and slow down tooth decay. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride will remineralize the teeth and help prevent cavities. At your child’s dental cleanings, you can also paint the fluoride on their teeth in a more concentrated form to keep the enamel hard.

If you are unsure of how much dental care your child needs, know that you aren’t alone. Following these simple steps can help keep your child’s teeth in the best condition possible. At South Holston Dental Designs, we provide a wide variety of services for patients in the Bristol, Virginia area. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

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