February has officially arrived! This is a great time to “brush up” on your child’s dental hygiene in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month! The tips below won’t only benefit the kiddos, however. Parents should take note too!
Dental care for your child begins in infancy. The bacteria in your mouth is dynamic and changes as kids age. Brushing always is important but becomes even more so with each candle you add to the birthday cake.
Getting your child to brush their teeth every day, twice a day can prove challenging and exhausting at times but don’t give up! Just keep telling them to do it. Building a habit takes time, but it ultimately pays off when you teach your child healthy habits that will last the rest of their life. When your child undergoes orthodontic treatment the diligence of their oral hygiene routine becomes even more important. If you don't brush while having braces, it will leave spots.
When it comes to selecting toothpaste for your child I would choose one with minimal amounts of fluoride. Kids aren't great at swallowing so less fluoride actually is better. No more than a pea-size amount of toothpaste is necessary - that is plenty!
One of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy smile is maintaining a healthy diet! Diet becomes particularly important while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Smoothies and veggie-packed soups are great, especially for kids with sore teeth from braces.
As for when to bring your child in for their first appointment, it can vary. For dental visits, it used to be 3 years old, but the American Association of Pediatrics now recommends younger. For ortho, the recommended age is 7 years old. Sounds early, but that is what the AAO recommends! Here is a link where you can learn more: https://www.bethesdaorthodontics.com/early-orthodontic-treatment
If your child is worried or scared about their oral health visits, be mindful about projecting your own anxiety. Try not to refer to your own difficult dental stories! Preparing your child well before their first appointment is highly encouraged, but talking through their worries is better than falling back on past experiences.
And, when in doubt, go the library! There is a great book called "Smile" that explains orthodontia and its benefits. I've had children tell me that it really prepared them to come in for their first appointment. Like the book (it's a graphic novel), my office is colorful and inviting. And we always smile!
If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more, our team is always happy to discuss them with you—any time of year! We should celebrate children's dental health every month!
