How to Create a Fun and Effective Dental Routine for Your Children

In the debate of nature vs. nurture, strong dental habits are deniably a result of nurturing. Your children will not automatically know to adopt oral care strategies into their daily routine, so it is up to you to teach them to take care of their teeth and gums. But where should you start? These tips will help you give your children the gift of a healthy mouth.

Start When Your Children Are Young

It is said that children learn languages easiest at a young age, and the same can be said of many skills, including dental hygiene. Clean your baby’s mouth from the time she is a baby. Before teeth pop up, use a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth to wipe away milk sugars and stimulate gum tissue.

Decay becomes a possibility the instant that the first tooth grows, and you can expect your baby’s four front teeth to push through by the time she celebrates her first birthday. Begin a twice daily brushing routine once your child has teeth. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and a child’s toothbrush.  

Watch Drinks Carefully

Oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing and flossing; it’s also about the foods and drinks that your child’s teeth are exposed to. Never put your child down to sleep with a bottle of juice, formula, or milk. This allows sugary liquids to cling to his teeth and accelerate the process of decay. It’s even helpful to cut back on juice and other sugary drinks during the day. It is best to limit juice to mealtimes so that food and saliva can wash it away.

Make Brushing Fun

Brushing does not have a reputation as the most exciting part of the day, but you can use clever strategies to make it fun for your child. First and foremost, start a routine and stick to it every single day. Repetition will engrain the routine in your child’s mind and prevent arguments or feet dragging. Use YouTube brushing videos, a toothbrushing story time, or even a dance party to make brushing an enjoyable experience.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Twice a year, every year. Your child should begin visiting the dentist by the age of 1 and continue every six months. Visiting the dentist is the only way to routinely assess your child’s dental health, identify problems, thoroughly clean the teeth, and prevent future issues.

If you or your child needs more serious dental attention for issues like root canals or resorption, turn to Citrus Endodontics in Tampa, Florida. Call (813) 570-6887 to learn more about the special endodontic services offered by the expert team at Citrus Endodontics.