As a parent, you understand the importance of instilling good oral hygiene habits in your children. Because they only get one smile, teaching them how to protect it from tooth decay and other dental issues is essential. Not only that, but their oral health is directly linked to their overall health, making oral hygiene even more important.
Because February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, now is the perfect time to learn more about how keeping your child’s tiny teeth healthy can have a huge impact and give them a lifetime of healthy smiles. So, if you are searching for a “children’s dentist near me,” keep reading to learn more about how to help your child maintain a healthy smile for life.
Early Foundations of Dental Care
Establishing oral hygiene habits with your child as early as possible is essential. Because children are so susceptible to tooth decay, you should begin dental care habits as soon as their first tooth erupts. Follow these guidelines for the best results:
- Take your child to the dentist by their first birthday.
- Visit your White Bear Lake dentist twice yearly for dental exams and checkups.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your child’s teeth once a day.
- Limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks your child consumes.
- Talk to your child about the importance of dental health.
Smile Milestones: Navigating Dental Development
Part of helping your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile is understanding the dental care milestones they will experience. Keep these smile milestones in mind and work with your dentist to give your child the best chance for optimal oral health:
Birth to six months – During this time, you form the foundation for your child’s oral health. Before they get their first tooth, cleaning their mouth with a damp cloth can establish an oral hygiene routine. In addition, plan to visit your dentist by the time your child turns one.
Six to 12 months – During this time, your child will begin teething. Since teething can be uncomfortable, try massaging their gums or using teething toys to help. Once their first tooth erupts, start using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
One to three years – During this time, your child is developing habits that can affect their oral health. It’s essential to brush their teeth for them but also work to teach them how to brush on their own. Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, and if they suck their thumb, work to help them stop.
Three to six years – During this time, your child is becoming independent and can brush and floss their teeth independently. Monitor their oral hygiene habits and reinforce the importance of caring for their teeth and gums. Continue to see your dentist every six months for professional cleanings.
Six to 12 years – During this time, your child’s permanent teeth will arrive, so encouraging good oral hygiene and a healthy diet is more important than ever. Your dentist can perform an orthodontic evaluation to see if your child needs additional treatment. If your child plays sports, they may recommend a mouthguard.
12 to 18 years – During this time, your dentist will monitor your child’s wisdom teeth to see if they are causing any issues. Although your child is older, reinforcing good dental hygiene is critical, especially if your child wears braces.
Playful Approaches to Dental Wellness
There are several ways to promote dental wellness with your children, giving them the best chance of lifetime oral health. Consider some of the following playful approaches:
- Make brushing fun – You can make dental hygiene more enjoyable by incorporating music or stories into your brushing routine. Try playing a song and encouraging your child to brush until the end of the song, or tell funny stories while they brush to help them look forward to brushing their teeth.
- Choose the right dental products – Your child will respond to colorful toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste, so let them choose a toothbrush with their favorite character on it. When it comes to toothpaste, there are many different flavors your child might enjoy.
- Role Play – Use toy dental tools, and let your child pretend to be the dentist and work on your teeth.
- Celebrate success – When your child practices consistent oral hygiene, give them stickers or other small rewards.
Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month; sponsored by the American Dental Association, NCDHM is meant to raise awareness about oral health and the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. Children who form good dental hygiene habits from an early age can keep healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. The ADA provides free online resources for dental teams, parents, and schools to promote regular dental visits and healthy habits.
Do You Need Children’s Dentistry in White Bear Lake, MN?
If you are looking for compassionate dental care for you and your children, look no further than White Bear Smiles! Our expert dental team understands the importance of oral hygiene at every age, and we want to build long-term relationships with your family while helping you achieve the best oral health possible.
When you’re ready to join the White Bear Smiles family, contact our dental office at (651) 426-8998 to schedule an appointment.