How To Help Your Child with Their Dental Hygiene 

When it comes to implementing a strong oral hygiene routine, it’s never too early to establish the importance of dental health for your child. As soon as their first tooth erupts, primary teeth are at risk of decay. Childhood caries is the most commonly growing dental complication in the U.S. Fortunately, it can be as simple as creating and following oral health guidelines for your family. These can make tooth decay preventable.

Below are some unique approaches the dental team at VanMeter & Williams Dentistry recommend to encourage proper dental health and function for children.

Make Dental Hygiene Fun

Implementing an oral health routine does not have to be a chore. Help your loved ones achieve a healthy smile now and in the future by making dental care enjoyable.

Brush And Floss Together- Most kids look up to their parents and want to copy what they do. Taking the time to show your children how you brush your teeth can keep them engaged. If they’re four years old and up, help them floss in between teeth to reach those tough spots where plaque likes to hide. Turning these activities into a game or teaching them a rhyme could help the habits stick with them for years to come.

Choose A Special Toothbrush- Whether it be electric or manual, letting your loved one choose their toothbrush can help get them interested in using it. This allows for your children to have something to look forward to. The same goes for picking out toothpaste that has a flavor they enjoy.

Interactive Learning- Reading and interaction are essential for your child’s development, so applying dental hygiene education through stories and visual aids can help them understand healthy oral care habits. Phone and tablet applications are another way to involve your child.

Establishing Positive Dental Visits- One of the best things you can do to promote your child’s oral health is taking them to their dental professional at an early age. By instilling trust early on, your child will understand that there is nothing to fear when it is time for their bi-annual appointments. In turn, this allows your child to have confidence in their care and their smile.

When it comes to children’s dental care, Dr. Dennis J. VanMeter and Dr. Hubbell Williams recognize that making oral education fun has a lasting impact.

We encourage patients with young families to call or visit or Dayton practice for more information about our compassionate approach to children’s dentistry.