Instill good dental habits early on to maintain a healthy smile throughout your child’s life.
The sooner parents start caring for their child’s teeth and gums and teaching them how to care for their developing smiles the better. After all, providing your child with the best examples of oral care could protect them from gum disease, cavities and dental injuries. Our Kitchener, ON, pediatric dentists want to help parents provide their children with the very best oral care possible. Here are some tips to help your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
Lead By Example
One of the best habits you can adopt is caring for your smile properly and showing your child how it’s done. Kids imitate what adults do, so if they see you brushing and flossing they will also be more likely to make this a habit. Plus, they can watch how you do it and learn from you. Kids are amazingly observant and you might be surprised how quickly they pick up your good habits, too.
Remember to brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice a day. If you don’t use an automated toothbrush with a built-in timer, make sure to set a timer on your phone to show your child just how long they need to brush.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you and your family consume can impact your oral health almost as much as how you care for your teeth and gums. Foods that are high in sugar and starches can increase your child’s chances for cavities. The best way to reduce you and your child’s cavity risk is to eat a healthy balanced diet that limits sodas, sugar, juices and sports drinks. A healthy diet should consist of lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Visit the Dentist
Your child should start visiting their Kitchener, ON, family dentist by the time they turn 1 year old. If teeth begin to erupt sooner than 1 years old, you should schedule a dental appointment once you see their baby teeth emerge. Their first checkup is an important one, because it allows our dental team to establish rapport with your child and to get them comfortable with visiting the dentist. During their first visit, we will get them comfortable with having their teeth examined and cleaned. We will also check to make sure that everything is developing properly.
Whether you are a first-time parent who has questions about caring for your child’s smile or you just want to schedule your child’s routine cleaning, call Kitchener East Family Dental in Kitchener, ON, today at (519) 578-2419.