Establishing proper oral care at a young age is important for your child's oral development and health. It's never too late to start focusing on proper oral hygiene and good oral care routines for your kiddos. A child's mouth goes through many changes between birth and adolescence. Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we strive to set your child up for success by establishing good oral care routines at a young age. Our dentist in Richland, MO is here with some quick tips on how you can put an emphasis on proper oral care for your children.
Brush Twice a Day
It's important that your children brush their teeth twice each day. Once in the morning and again before bed. This helps remove any plaque or food buildup that forms on the teeth throughout the day and night.
Floss Daily
Plaque quickly builds up between teeth causing decay of the tooth enamel. Once the tooth enamel has been penetrated, tooth decay can cause pain and tooth damage to your child's teeth. This is why flossing once each day is so important for proper oral care.
Be Conscious About Nutrition
Teach your child about the importance of proper nutrition, not only for their overall health but their oral health, as well. Foods that are high in sugar are a nice treat every now & then but should not be a part of their daily diet. Try to make healthy snacks and food options readily available for those summertime and after-school snack sessions!
Replace Toothbrush on a Regular Basis
Toothbrush bristles wear out over time. It's recommended to replace your child's toothbrush every three months. It's important that the toothbrush your child uses has new bristles so it cleans with the best efficiency.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky foods and candy can cause damage to your child's teeth. Sugary candy tends to stick to the tooth surface longer than other foods, where it mixes with the saliva and causes bacteria and plaque to build up. Try to reduce the amount of sticky food that your child consumes.
Schedule a Dental Check-Up
Routine check-ups with a dentist are important to monitor oral health. It's advised to have your child visit the dentist every 6-months. Your dental provider will also help teach your child and reinforce positive oral routines.
Make it FUN!
The most important step in establishing good oral health care routines is to make it fun! Sing a silly song while your child brushes their teeth, get your child excited to floss, make a fun game out of eating healthy snacks, and create a positive vibe around visiting the dentist. These are all great ways to make your child's oral care routine more fun and something they look forward to doing!
Now is the right time to put an emphasis on proper oral hygiene for your children. Our dental center in Richland, MO is here for all of your dental care needs. We provide family dental services, as well as dentures and restorative services. Contact our office today to schedule a dental appointment for your children this summer. It's the perfect way to get them on track and ready for the new school year with a clean and happy smile!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
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