Establishing Healthy Dental Habits in Children



Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009

by Steve Thompson DDS
Imagecare Dental

In the past decade, our society has woken up to the benefits of establishing healthy dental habits at an early age. The question arises, 'how soon should one start and what are some dental habits that one needs to instill in one's children?

Children need to start brushing their teeth, twice daily, as soon as they get teeth. At this stage, it is recommended that you use an 'infant' toothbrush and 'no toothpaste'. They can start using toothpaste, once they are old enough to be able to spit out and gargle. You can encourage them to brush their teeth by themselves at this stage and watch to ensure it is being done correctly. The best time to brush their teeth is after breakfast and before they go to bed.

Continuous follow-up will ensure that they do a thorough job. There are many products like toothbrushes, toothpaste and 'flossers' specifically designed for kids in the market today. If children are taught by their parents at an early age to use these products, the chances of them carrying healthy dental habits into adulthood are more likely. Children are encouraged when their parents participate in the morning and night 'brushing teeth' ritual with them.

Schedule your child's first dental appointment by age three so that they get acclimatized to visiting the dentist at an early age. This also helps the dentist detect any early problems and be able to take care of them swiftly. However, if your child has a dental problem before the age of three, please do not hesitate to visit a dentist promptly.

Limiting a child's consumption of soda and junk food will also help in maintaining good dental care. Ensure that they have a balanced diet from the basic food groups. If they understand the importance of a nutritious diet early on, the chances of them continuing to eat healthy as adults are higher. Do remember that branded bottled water does not contain fluoride and hence it is a good idea for your children to drink 'tap water'. The fluoridation helps strengthen 'developing teeth'.

Check packages of cereal and juices for their sugar content. Some of these products contain extremely high amounts of sugar which are detrimental to the child's teeth and eventually lead to cavities.

If you establish healthy dental habits at an early age and you are consistent with their dentist appointments, your children will grow up with healthy teeth and gums and face few dental problems as adults.

Plano dentist, Dr. Thompson maintains his private dental practice  (Imagecare Dental) in Plano, TX. For more information on this or any other dental topic, please visit: http://www.imagecaredental.com.  If you have questions for Dr. Thompson, please send an e-mail to: patientcare@imagecaredentalgroup.com or mail him at 6841 Coit Rd, Plano, TX  75024.
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