The formative years of your child’s development play an important role in setting the foundation for good habits that will last a lifetime. This includes teaching your children to brush and floss their teeth every day. You should start cleaning your child’s gums with a clean piece of gauze right after they are born, and you should start brushing and flossing each of your child’s primary teeth as soon as they erupt.
You may find it helpful to make your child’s oral hygiene routine fun and positive by singing songs and offering praise and encouragement. In time, brushing every morning and night and flossing once each day will become things they look forward to doing. In addition, allowing your child to pick out his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste can help keep them interested in good oral hygiene.
Many companies sell toothbrushes in exciting shapes, and colors and others offer kinds of toothpaste with flavors that appeal to children. Unfortunately, not all of these products have earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. You should always check your dental products for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This logo indicates that the product has been researched and tested for safety and effectiveness. The American Dental Association also maintains a comprehensive index of all approved oral hygiene products on their website. This can help you thoroughly research a new oral hygiene product before buying it for your child.
If you live in the Spanish Fork, Utah, area and you have a question about your child’s oral health, you should call 801-794-9905 to schedule a dental checkup with a dentist like Dr. Forrest Buhler and the staff at Buhler Dental Arts.