How to Ensure Your Child Grows Up With Great Oral Hygiene

Posted on December 6, 2023

It’s important to teach your children early on how to have great oral hygiene. This will carry on through their teens and into their adult life. However, the positioning of our teeth can also have a surprisingly big impact on our dental health. That’s why it’s also important to take your child to see an orthodontist by age seven, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Catching orthodontist problems early on can help protect your child’s smile as they get older.

That said, here’s how to show your child the best way to achieve a fantastic smile and healthy teeth and gums.

Show Them How to Properly Brush Their Teeth

You can be the best role model when it comes to proper brushing. Consider brushing your teeth with your child, so they can see what correct brushing looks like and so you know they’re brushing their own teeth as well. Demonstrate the right way to brush and how long to do it. Show them how to properly floss as well. Of course, you’ll need to brush and floss your child’s teeth until they’re capable of doing it themselves, usually until about eight years old. They will learn how to do it from seeing you do it. Guide them and correct them if they are making mistakes.

Limit How Much Sugar They Have

There are several reasons for this. Not only can too much sugar be unhealthy but it can also cause cavities since it will create tooth decay. Chewy candy is also more likely to cling to your child’s teeth, putting them at greater risk for cavities. Closely monitor how much sugar they have, and opt for healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables.

Take Them to the Dentist Regularly

This is extremely important since the dentist provides preventative cleanings to help reduce the risk of cavities. They can also catch a lot of conditions early on before they get serious, such as abnormal dental positioning that could potentially impact your child’s smile. From here, they may recommend you to an orthodontist.

Visit the Orthodontist

Straight teeth are not only important aesthetically but also for your child’s health. Straight teeth can make it easier to brush, floss, chew, and even sleep. As we mentioned above, it’s recommended that your child visit an orthodontist by age seven to reduce the risk of dental issues such as crowding, which could impact their oral hygiene. Your child’s orthodontist could recommend braces or Invisalign to help correct any issues while they’re still easy to fix.

If your child is in need of an orthodontist to help keep their teeth in great shape, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Chelian Orthodontics today for a consultation! We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.