As a parent, caring for your child’s teeth can be challenging. However, one of the most important things you can teach your child is good oral hygiene. Parents should strive to teach quality teeth cleaning habits to their children so that kids know how to take great care of their teeth. Good habits carry over into the teen years, and as an adult, so your child can have healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth: When Teeth Erupt
When teeth begin to erupt in small children, usually at six months to a year – dental visits for you child need to begin. Children will need to have their gums cared for during the infant years to fight irritation as the teeth come in. Frozen teething rings and pain relief gels can be helpful. Once teeth come in, parents need to use baby toothbrushes to help with teeth care.
After the age of 3 a “pea size” amount of toothpaste with fluoride, CDA-accepted, can be used for your child. Always supervise or help your child brush their teeth until they are old enough to be doing the work themselves. We strongly recommend soft bristle toothbrushes to be used during the younger years for adequate brushing.
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth: Regular Brushing and Flossing
From the time teeth erupt, children need to brush their teeth twice a day. As your child enters their toddler years, you can begin with flossing. However, flossing is not mandatory until most teeth have come in. It is not as easy for food to become stuck between the teeth when there are few teeth to clean. Once your child’s teeth have filled in, introduce flossing to them. Flossing is an important aspect of dental care and cavity prevention and should not be overlooked.
Teaching your child to brush and floss their teeth and learn oral hygiene skills at an early age will ensure your child is ready for proper oral care as they get older. At Regent Dental, we provide comprehensive children’s dental care, with cleaning and checkups offered by appointment. Call us today – 204.817.8915 – to book your child’s dental appointment!
