Top Tips for Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Oral Hygiene
It’s never too early to start instilling good dental hygiene habits in your child, and we’re here to help you do just that.
Our team of experienced pediatric dentists at OK Tooth in Midtown Manhattan, New York, knows a thing or two about making your child’s experience in our chair fun and positive. This guide describes our best tips and techniques to ensure that your child maintains healthy teeth and gums.
1. Toothbrushing techniques
Teaching your child proper brushing techniques is paramount. Use a soft, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime.
Ensure that they clean every surface of each tooth, gently brushing back and forth with small strokes.
2. The importance of flossing
You should introduce flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. Teach your child to gently move the floss up and down between their teeth, curving it around each tooth where it meets the gums.
3. Maintaining a proper diet
A healthy diet plays a significant role in dental health. Limit sugary foods and drinks, and encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products.
4. Regular dental checkups
Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect early signs of cavities or gum disease. Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday and continue with regular visits every six months.
Frequently asked questions
At OK Tooth, we’re happy to answer questions about healthy oral hygiene for the whole family.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
Start as soon as the first tooth appears, using a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Your child should see a dentist every six months or as recommended by our team.
Techniques and tools for fun dental care learning
Making dental care fun can encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tools and techniques:
- Dental apps: Apps like Brush DJ keep brushing fun by playing two minutes of music while your child brushes their teeth
- Download our Dynamic Dental Fun Kit: It includes activities, charts, and games that make oral hygiene interesting
- Books and videos: Children’s books and videos about dental care are available to help make learning engaging and enjoyable
- Reward systems: Positive reinforcement, like a sticker chart for consistent brushing, can motivate your child
Remember, children learn by example. Show them that taking care of your teeth can be fun and beneficial.
When you’re ready to schedule a dentist’s appointment for your child, request one online or call OK Tooth.