Let’s Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month
Along with Valentine’s Day, there is something else we want to recognize and celebrate at Today’s Dental Comfort — Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association, uses February as a time to promote good oral health among children. Whether you have a child in your life or not, it’s an excellent time to evaluate the state of your oral health. This month, we want to share tips that can help you teach your young loved ones proper oral health.
Proper Oral Hygiene Starts at Home
One of the best things you can do for the child in your life — in regard to their oral health — is to start an oral hygiene routine at a young age. Teaching children, through example, the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular dental care will help them carry on these habits through their teenage years and into adulthood.
Cleaning the mouth is something that can start even when the child is an infant. Even before the first tooth breaks through, the gums can be cleaned gently with a damp washcloth. This technique helps to clean away milk residue and bacteria left on the gumline. Once the child starts to get teeth, there are small toothbrushes designed for brushing baby teeth. Moving into the toddler years, the child is ready to begin learning to brush their teeth with guidance and help. One great strategy is to let the child brush first, and then the adult can finish up, making sure that it was done properly.
Ways to Encourage Children to Brush Their Teeth
If you have children in your life, you know that, at times, it can be difficult to get them to follow a task, and brushing their teeth often falls into that category. Here are some helpful tips to encourage your child to brush their teeth:
- Allow them to choose their own toothbrush
- Use a visual timer to show them the proper amount of time needed to brush teeth
- Use a special song to indicate it is time to brush teeth
- Reward good brushing behavior with a special sticker or favorite bedtime story
If you or a loved one needs a dental hygiene examination and cleaning, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Burton, MI. We want to help you maintain proper oral health. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
