One of the most important things you can teach your child is good oral hygiene. It is crucial that children learn the appropriate steps and habits that will keep their teeth and gums healthy – not only for their oral health but for the sake of their overall health and development as well. Added bonus: Teaching your child proper oral hygiene will make it much more likely that YOU practice good oral hygiene…win-win!

1. Brush, Brush, Brush

Children should brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, starting at age one or two. While they are toddlers, it’s important that you use toothpaste without fluoride since they will likely swallow it after brushing. For older children, be sure to help them brush until they are about seven or eight years old, to ensure they are reaching far enough back to properly clean the molars. Ask your child’s dentist to review good brushing techniques with both of you, so you’re all on the same page – especially on the fussy nights when brushing teeth seems more like pulling teeth. Also, be sure they learn to brush their tongue properly – this will reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, preventing issues like decay and infection.

2. Floss

Flossing? What’s that, you say? No, not the incredibly popular dance move…flossing the teeth! Sadly, many adults don’t even floss. But it is absolutely vital that you teach your child early on the importance of flossing. Flossing should be done at least once daily to remove food particles and buildup that can accumulate throughout the course of a day.

3. Regular Dental Visits

It’s crucial that children learn the importance of seeing a dentist twice a year for routine cleanings, x-rays, and an exam. Starting early with a dentist that your child is comfortable with will set the tone for their relationship with dentists for the rest of their life. Be sure to choose a dentist with a calming presence and good bedside manner, to ease any fears or anxieties your child might have about their visits.

4. Fluoride Mouthwash

Teaching your child to use a fluoride mouthwash adds another layer of protection against cavities. Brushing and flossing are definitely the first lines of defense, but fluoride has a lot to offer by way of prevention and protection. It’s important to teach kids to rinse properly and to spit everything out – certain mouthwashes are not safe for ingestion.

5. Mouth Protection

If your child is active in sports, teach them to use a mouthguard that will protect their teeth. Dental injuries can create emergency situations that are extremely painful, so it’s important for kids to develop good habits early on when it comes to protecting their teeth from serious damage and injury.

Make proper oral hygiene a focus in your home – it will not only improve the health of your child but will benefit your overall wellbeing too as you practice good habits alongside them. They say it takes a village to raise a child – so don’t hesitate if you need help teaching proper oral hygiene. It’s important that you have a great dentist that will come alongside you as you instill oral hygiene habits in your child. If you live in the St. Augustine area and are looking for a professional skilled in children’s dentistry, call Dental Remedies today for a new patient appointment today.