Your child’s oral health is just as important as your own. From the time they are babies, all the way until they get their permanent teeth, it’s important to make sure that your child practices good dental home care to help ensure that they grow up with healthy, happy smiles.
However, at Ellerslie 66 Dental, we know it can be difficult for your child to learn how to practice good dental hygiene habits, especially at an early age. If your child is too young to take care of their own teeth, or if they need some help acquiring some good habits, we’re here to offer a few suggestions to help make your children’s dental care easy.
Advice for Your Children’s Dental Care:
To help ensure your child’s dental health, they should begin to brush and floss on their own as soon as they are old enough to do so. In most cases children should be able to do this with supervision around the age of 4 or 5. However, each child is different, so make sure to consult with your dentist to make sure they think your child is able to practice good oral hygiene on their own.
Helping your child practice good dental hygiene early on can help them engage in good hygiene habits after their adult teeth come in.
Brushing:
Engaging in good brushing habits removes plaque from your child’s teeth, and helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. Children should start brushing using toothbrushes with soft bristles.
You can help your child learn proper brushing technique by first showing them how to place their toothbrush against their front teeth at a 45 degree angle. Have them start brushing in a circular motion along their gums. After they have brushed all of their front teeth have them move to the top and inside surfaces as well. Finally, help your child get in the habit of brushing their gums to remove bacteria and help keep their breath fresh.
Many cities, like Edmonton, have fluoride in the water to help strengthen and repair tooth enamel. However, using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended to help maintain the health of your child’s teeth
Flossing:
Your child should start flossing as soon as they have teeth that touch together. Often this will occur before your child is old enough to floss on their own so you should help them until they are capable of flossing themselves.
To practice proper flossing technique, you or your child should wrap a string of floss between the thumb and forefinger. Place the floss between each set of teeth in a C shape and gently move the floss back and forth. You don’t have to floss too hard, stop when you feel resistance on the gums or teeth. And don’t forget to get all of your child’s teeth, including the four in the back.
Visiting the Dentist:
An important part of your child’s dental care, is to make sure that they receive regular dental services from a pediatric dentist.
Visiting a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth is recommended in Canada by the The Canadian Dental Association (CDA). As we emphasize in Preventative Dentistry, the purpose is to take preventative measures before problems occur or get more serious.
Regular dental appointments for kids can teach them good oral habits and learn the importance of oral health from their childhood. Dentists can also offer other preventative measures, like dental sealants, that you can’t get at home. They can also help identify and mitigate possible dental health issues before they happen. A dental exam every six months is recommended if a child has had cavities before, otherwise every twelve months.
Dr. Li and the care team at Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic know the importance of children’s dental health. We will provide your child with compassionate and comfortable care, and help them to understand the benefits of good dental health.
If you have questions about our pediatric dentistry services, or would like to make an appointment for your child, contact our team of dental professionals or give us a call at (780) 705-9866.