Flossing and Other Essential Habits for Ensuring Kids’ Dental Health

Proper dental care and good oral health need to be a part of every child’s life, starting with the emergence of the very first baby tooth. Helping kids acquire good brushing and flossing habits is one of the greatest things a parent can do. By following the guidelines below, maintaining good dental health will not be difficult.

First, select a brush that is small and features soft bristles—the size of your child’s toothbrush is important. It is common for dentists to recommend that children brush using only plain water until age two, to avoid excessive swallowing of fluoride-containing products. If your dentist okays the use of toothpaste, make sure to place just a pea-sized amount of an ADA-recommended toothpaste onto the brush for your child’s twice-daily dental care sessions.

Once your child has two teeth right next to one another, flossing should become a daily routine. Floss picks can make it easier to get in between the teeth of squirmy kids who are not yet familiar with the process. After additional teeth have appeared, ask your dentist in South Bend whether there is a need for supplemental fluoride and if dental sealants might be a good idea to help prevent tooth decay.

Parents need to watch over their kids’ daily brushing and flossing sessions to ensure that a thorough cleaning job, since most children can’t properly brush their teeth on their own until about the age of six. Another way to make sure great dental care habits are established is for parents to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques on their own teeth.

Ultimately, the best strategy for ensuring good oral health for your kids is by following these handy dental care tips and making regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings. Teaching strong oral hygiene habits is a gift that really will last a lifetime.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in South Bend, call The Dental Center of Indiana today or make an appointment.