Dental Care For Your Young Child
Establishing good dental hygiene habits should begin at a young age. As soon as your child is able to understand, you can start talking to them about the importance of their teeth and how they need to be cared for every day. Giving them the knowledge and tools to care for their teeth early on will set them up for a lifetime of good health and decrease their chances of dental problems in the future.
Follow these guidelines to make dental care fun for your children and help them establish positive dental habits as they grow:
- As soon as your child’s first tooth shows through the gum, you can bring them in to be seen by a dentist. At this time we will show you how to clean your child’s mouth and discuss any concerns you may have such as teething or pacifier habits. Help your child make these early visits fun by allowing them to bring a special toy.
- Even before your child starts showing teeth, you can keep their mouth clean by softly rubbing a moist gauze over their gums twice a day. For children between 3 and 6 years old, you should brush their teeth for them in the morning and at bedtime using a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a pea. When you notice the teeth start to fit closely together, you can also begin flossing daily.
- Have fun with dental care at this young age! The more you enjoy this time the more your child will think of brushing their teeth as an enjoyable experience. Allow your child to pick out their own toothbrush or sing a song while you brush their teeth.
Make this time a bonding experience for you and your child that will create warm memories for your family while setting your child up for a lifetime of good dental health.
If you would like to set up a dental appointment for your child in the Terre Haute, IN area, please call our office at 812-877-2238 and we will be happy to help you.
