3 Tips for Healthy Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry in Stuart
Your child’s beautiful smile doesn’t just start when they go to the dentist. You need to set the foundation of good toothbrushing habits so that your child will know the importance of taking care of their teeth over time.
You can set the standard for excellent dental hygiene through a few simple tools and easy routines for kids to understand.
Keep reading for our simple tips–you’ll learn why pediatric dentistry in Stuart is so essential!
1. Two-Minute Rule
Making sure that your child is brushing in the morning after they wake up and in the evening before they go to bed is half the battle. The next is to ensure that they’re brushing for at least two minutes each time.
You can do this by brushing with them so that they start to learn how long it will take by emulating you. You can also play songs two minutes long–consider setting up a playlist for them to make toothbrushing a fun activity.
Here are a few child-friendly songs we recommend:
- Kids Just Love to Brush by Sesame Street
- All Shook Up by Elvis Presley
- Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me: Brushy Brush PSA by Sesame Street
Keep in mind that two minutes isn’t just an arbitrary number. For example, studies have found that brushing for two minutes leads to a 26 percent reduction of plaque!
2. Reduce Sugar
Children are more susceptible to tooth decay from sugar because baby teeth are more sensitive than adult teeth. With this in mind, try to reduce the sugar your child is eating each day or opt for sugar-free alternatives.
For instance, cookies, candies, and soda can become a special treat or a nightly dessert instead of a snack they can reach for all day. This way, you can ensure that sugar isn’t attracting harmful bacteria to your child’s mouth all day long.
3. Practice Flossing
Did you know that only 30 percent of people in the U.S. floss their teeth daily? This low number can partly be because we weren’t taught at a young age to floss. However, you can help your child assimilate this into their daily routine by teaching and encouraging them.
You can start flossing your child’s teeth when their baby teeth are touching. Children are usually ready to floss on their own when they’re seven or eight years old.
When they start flossing on their own, consider using flavored floss with colorful packaging. Flossing sticks are usually more accessible for children.
Pediatric Dentistry in Stuart Tips: Teaching Them Early
By taking the time to teach your child early, create consistent routines, and infuse these habits with fun, you can help instill in them the importance of good dental hygiene. Eventually, you’ll find that your child may not need to listen to a song to brush their teeth for two minutes.
They won’t crave sugary treats as much, and flossing won’t feel like a chore when it becomes muscle memory.
Lastly, ensure that you’re taking your child to the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Pediatric dentistry in Stuart is vital because your dentists can aid you in helping your child learn healthy routines.
Ready to schedule your first appointment? Request an appointment online with us today!
