Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy in 2023

As a parent, it’s natural to want to instill good dental habits in your child. However, it can be challenging to determine when it’s the right time to introduce different dental care steps. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to keep your children’s teeth as healthy as possible.

Brush Your Toddler’s Teeth

You need to start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they get their first milk tooth. Try to brush twice a day for about 2 minutes at a time. We know that it can sometimes be difficult to brush for that long, especially when it comes to very young kids, so try different ways to make the process more fun and engaging. For instance, some parents report that their children enjoy using a timer toy to measure the 2 minutes.

Lead Your Children By Example

Research in child psychology has shown that kids learn better by copying their parents than by listening to instructions. Once your kid is old enough to brush their own teeth, try to establish a shared routine. Brush your teeth together and teach them proper brushing techniques. Not only is your child going to enjoy their dental care routine a lot more but you’ll also be able to monitor how effectively they clean their teeth.

Use Positive Reinforcements

Establishing a routine can be challenging at the start. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to get your kid to enjoy the process. Allow them to pick their toothbrush at the store and make sure you get their favorite toothpaste flavor. You can also get a little scorecard and give them a star every time they brush their teeth correctly. You may even give them an award, such as a fun outing or extra playtime, once they receive a certain number of stars. All of these techniques can help you establish a healthy brushing habit for your child without having the process feel like a chore for them.

Consider Dental Sealants

No matter how hard you try, you may still encounter difficulties in getting your child to regularly and thoroughly brush their teeth. This can be due to a whole range of reasons — the child’s temperament, sensory difficulties, emotional issues — so you don’t need to put the blame on yourself. Dental sealants are an excellent option to protect your child’s teeth, especially molars or teeth with many grooves. The procedure is simple and comfortable and it involves coating one or more teeth with a sealant that prevents decay.

Make Regular Dentist Appointments

It goes without saying that regular visits to the dentist’s office are essential for maintaining optimal dental health. We recommend that you get your child to a pediatric dentist soon after their first birthday or six months after they get their first tooth — whatever comes first. If your child was born with a natal tooth, then bring them in for an appointment as soon as possible to assess it. After that, all children should visit the dentist’s office twice a year just like adults do. Whether you need to book a regular check-up or have any concerns about your child’s dental health, we’re here to help. Please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to listen to you and talk you through your options.