Oral Health Habits in Hallandale Beach
WHY ARE GOOD ORAL HABITS IMPORTANT FOR KIDS?
The oral habits your child establishes when they’re young will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Great at-home oral hygiene helps prevent common issues like gum disease and cavities and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Because of this, it’s really important to make sure your child brushes and flosses regularly, and comes into our office every six months for a check-up.
THE BENEFITS OF GOOD ORAL HABITS
Building good oral health habits starts with parents. Here are just a few reasons you need to encourage your child to take better care of their teeth and gums.
Tooth decay is the #1 most common preventable oral health condition in kids and in dental patients of all ages. The good news is that with a healthy diet, good oral habits, and routine visits to the dentist, cavities are completely avoidable.
If your child takes good care of those pearly whites, they’re less likely to have problems like cavities or infected teeth. That means you won’t have to pay for procedures like fillings and crowns, and your little one won’t have to make as many visits to the dentist as they grow up.
What you learn as a child sticks with you. So if you encourage your children to brush regularly, floss daily, and see the dentist every six months, they’ll continue these habits into adulthood. That sets them up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!
3 STEPS TOWARDS AWESOME ORAL HEALTH
STEP 1
BRUSH TWICE A DAY FOR TWO
MINUTES
As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, start brushing it with a smear (or rice-sized
amount) of fluoride toothpaste. Once they’ve got all their teeth, make sure to brush
twice a day for at least two minutes, and clean each surface thoroughly. Kids can
usually brush on their own around the age of 5-6, but you should keep an eye on them
to make sure they’re brushing consistently and doing a good job.
STEP 2
FLOSS ONCE PER DAY
Once your child has all of their teeth, start flossing them once per cay. Flossing
removes bacteria and buildup between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach.
Learning to floss properly can be tough for younger kids, so you may need to floss for
them until they’re around 10 years old.
STEP 3
EAT A TOOTH-HEALTHY DIET
A healthy diet helps prevent common oral health problems like cavities. Your child
should avoid sweet and sugary drinks and snacks. Encourage them to eat things like
cheese, yogurt, lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoiding
processed foods and sugary/starchy snacks helps prevent cavities and gum disease,
and will help improve both your child’s oral and overall health!
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL HEALTH HABITS? FIND ANSWERS HERE!
When should my child stop using a bottle?
You should start weaning your baby off bottles and pacifiers between the ages of 12-24 months. We encourage transitioning to an open cup once they turn two years old.
how can i make brushing teeth fun and engaging for my child?
Making brushing teeth a fun and engaging activity for kids is essential to encourage good oral hygiene habits. Here are some creative ideas to make toothbrushing enjoyable:
- Choose a Colorful Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Let your child pick out a toothbrush and toothpaste with their favorite color or character. Having a toothbrush that appeals to them can make brushing more exciting.
- Sing a Toothbrushing Song: Create a short and catchy song that your child can sing while brushing. You can make up your own lyrics or find toothbrushing songs online.
- Use a Timer: Use a fun timer (such as an hourglass or a toothbrushing app with games) to make sure your child brushes for the recommended two minutes. This can turn brushing into a game against the timer.
- Brush Together: Make toothbrushing a family activity by brushing your teeth alongside your child. They will enjoy mimicking your actions and spending quality time together.
- Storytelling Time: Tell a short story or create a toothbrushing adventure. For example, your child’s toothbrush can become a superhero on a mission to fight off “sugar bugs.”
When should I schedule my child’s first dentist appointment?
The ADA recommends bringing your child in for their first visit by the time their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first! At these early visits, we can ensure their teeth and jaw are developing properly, and address any minor issues before they become big ones. Plus, by starting their dental visits early, they are more likely to develop a positive relationship with their oral health.