If you have kids, now is the ideal time to brush up on the essentials of oral hygiene. In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we’d like to present some helpful dental care tips for kids of all ages—and their parents, too!
Oral Care for Babies
Did you know that good oral hygiene begins before your baby even has their first tooth? Parents can begin by wiping their child’s gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth. Switch from a cloth to a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water when teeth begin to appear. As your child approaches their first birthday, schedule their first dental appointment with a family dentist.
Helping Children Form Good Habits
Before the age of six, you should be monitoring your child’s twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. Some children struggle to resist swallowing toothpaste, it may be beneficial to start them off with an amount of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice before moving up to a pea-sized amount. Seeking out general dental services around Chicago for your child can help identify any problems early on, helping support lifelong dental health. Your child’s dentist may suggest dental sealants to help protect their molars. As your child’s teeth begin to fit closely together, it’s important they learn to floss and get in the habit of doing it every single day.
Oral Hygiene for Adolescents
As your child enters young adulthood, good oral hygiene habits are key to resisting cavities. With less oversight from parents, increased intake of cariogenic substances, and possibly the addition of corrective braces, this is a risky time for their oral health. By this age, your child should be settled into a routine of six-month checkups, brushing twice per day, and flossing. Adolescents may be becoming more aware of their outward appearance, and a gentle reminder to protect their smile may go a long way!
If you’re looking for general dental services around Chicago, call our office to schedule an appointment. We are currently taking new patients and can also assist you with a variety of cosmetic services including whitening, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign® clear aligners.