As most parents are well aware, establishing good dental hygiene habits in kids is essential for strong, healthy teeth. Poor habits lead to plaque and tartar build-up, which can result in gum disease and other issues, so experienced Casa Grande Dentists recommend you start emphasizing regular brushing while your child is still young and continuing on as she gets older. It can be difficult to convince small children to stick with good dental habits, especially when they are in the “Terrible Twos” stage, which means you may come up with creative ways to encourage proper dental hygiene in order to ensure that your child’s teeth stay as healthy as possible. Fortunately, a local Family Dentist Casa Grande AZ has several tips that help win the battle against cavities.
First and foremost, don’t let the chance to start early pass you by. After you have accustomed your baby to solid foods, take the opportunity to also get her used to a daily gentle gum massage with a warm washcloth. Continue this technique until her first several teeth come through and until your pediatrician recommends switching to a baby toothbrush. This can help toddlers get used to having their teeth cleaned as well as making it a habit, hopefully saving you time and frustration later. If you missed your window of opportunity, don’t despair; there are other ways to encourage brushing in young children. Many pre-kindergarten age children love to mimic Mommy and Daddy, so parents should make a point of taking care of their teeth in front of the kids. Another method is to make a routine out of you and your child brushing teeth together; by actively involving your son or daughter in dental hygiene, you are setting an example for them to follow and hopefully creating an ingrained habit that they will follow. It’s common for children to go through stages when they rebel against brushing their teeth, but as long as you know to expect it, you can prepare and plan to stick to your guns.
Setting a precedent for good dental hygiene is simple when you take the time to start good habits early. Follow the recommendation of the leading Family Dentist in Casa Grande AZ and begin brushing early for success.