Ways to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy – Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month

As parents, we realize the value of proper oral hygiene and try our best to instill it in our children. Of course, good adult teeth are built on the foundation of healthy children’s teeth! So this week, in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, our dentist near me is discussing ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy. 

How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Unfortunately, many of the negative impacts of poor dental hygiene can last long into childhood, so what better time than National Children’s Dental Health Month to provide some recommendations for keeping kids’ teeth healthy?

Set a Good Example

First, it’s important to note that kids prefer to copy people around them. So, our dentist Lexington KY recommends being a positive role model by practicing healthy oral health behaviors. For example, brush and floss with your children rather than leave them alone in the bathroom. 

Create a Routine Together

Teach it to them. Show children under the age of three how to use a rice-sized quantity of toothpaste. Once children understand how to spit the paste rather than consume it, they can use a pea-sized amount. Children can floss and rinse with mouthwash daily when their teeth have grown close enough to touch.

Maintain Your Dental Visits

Maintain a consistent schedule of seeing the dentist twice a year, and include your children in the process. You make it a habit by maintaining your appointments, and they will follow suit. Your child should have their first dental appointment between 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first, and then every year after that. Contact us for a teeth cleaning in Lexington KY. 

Discuss Oral Health at Home

Please discuss with your children what they may expect at the dentist. Discuss any issues you have with your dentist at their dental visits, such as crowding, thumb sucking, tooth loss, mouth guards, and anything else that worries you.

Consume Nutritious Foods

Avoiding sugary drinks and meals not only improves general health but may also spark a conversation about cavities. Allowing sugar to sit on your teeth can cause decay, and we all want healthy, strong teeth to enjoy the things we like.

Brush For 2 Minutes Every Time

Although it is not always possible, it is advised to brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Thus, our dentist office in Lexington KY recommends setting a timer. Some apps make brushing and caring for your teeth enjoyable.

Consider Dental Sealants

Talk to your dentist in Lexington KY about getting your child’s teeth sealed for healthy youngsters’ teeth. Sealants can aid in the prevention of cavities and subsequent fillings.

Reward Your Kids

Allow children to pick their toothbrushes (within limits), and consider using a target sheet to track their progress toward a goal that leads to a reward, such as going to the movies or shopping at a toy store. Our friend Dr. Hobfoll, dentist for kids Salt Lake City, says this is one of his favorite tips to get kids excited about dentistry. 

Contact Our Lexington KY Dentist Today

At Park Hills Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer top-rated dental services in Lexington, KY for all ages. Contact us today to let us know how we can serve your family.