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Good oral health habits in kids start early. Teaching your child about proper oral hygiene at a young age helps them to develop positive dental habits that will stay with them throughout their lives. Early childhood dental visits also allow your child's dentist to monitor the development of their teeth and gums, and jawbone.

Good Oral Habits To Care For Baby Teeth

It's never too early to start teaching your children about oral hygiene. Developing good oral habits for them now will help them maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their life. Cavities are the most common childhood disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and tooth loss if left untreated. So it's important to teach your children good oral hygiene at an early age and continue reinforcing good habits as they age. Here are a few dos and don'ts for children's oral health.

• Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time will help keep harmful plaque off your child's teeth and along the gum line. Flossing once a day is important as well to remove any food particles that get stuck between the teeth and gums and prevent cavities.
• Your child should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup to ensure healthy teeth. The dentist will also recommend fluoride treatments or sealants to protect your child from developing cavities on the molars.
• Do encourage kids to drink plenty of water. Water is the best beverage for cleansing the teeth of leftover food particles and bacteria, helping to prevent cavities from forming. Limit the amount of sugary liquids that your child consumes, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks, which increase the amount of harmful acid in the mouth.
• Don't allow your child to go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup filled with milk or juice. The sugars in these beverages can pool in the child's mouth overnight, feeding the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Instead, offer the child water when he or she is ready for bed. 
• Don't forget to schedule regular biannual visits with your dentist for your children. Professional cleanings and exams can help catch and treat any developing conditions before they can develop into serious dental health concerns. Additionally, these visits give your dentist the opportunity to talk with you about how to best care for your child's smile in-between visits.

By practicing these healthy habits, you can ensure your child has a healthy smile for life! To learn more about children's dentistry, schedule an appointment with us today.

If you would like more information on dental care for children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.