If you are a parent who tries daily to get your kids to brush their teeth, then you can benefit from these tips from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists focus on younger patients and understand that kids often have little interest in oral health. Because pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children like yours, these dentists can be a wealth of information for you. Cavities can be very painful for your child and cause many problems. Here are a few tips from a pediatric dentist to prevent cavities in your child.
Get an in-person demonstration. It sounds overly simple, but every parent can benefit from checking in with the pediatric dentist. The dentist can show parents and caregivers how to position the toothbrush for the most effective brushing. Pediatric dentists can also demonstrate how to floss little mouths. Seeing these things done can be far more helpful than reading a description.
Have the dentist explain what happens with good and bad oral health. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children and often have a lot of practice in how to explain how things work and why. Dentists can show children what happens when they do not brush and floss. Cavities in children are serious and can be very painful and uncomfortable. If the dentist has to remove teeth due to tooth decay, it can cause problems with the other teeth and with eating or speaking. Some kids respond well to hearing an explanation from an authority figure.
Children like to have some control. Letting kids choose toothbrushes or kinds of toothpaste can help them to feel some ownership and personal responsibility. Fun colors and flavors make it seem like less of a chore. Some children do not fully understand what cavities are, but empowering them to choose dental tools can help them to feel involved.
Do oral health routines together. Some kids do not like to do things by themselves. It might be more fun if a sibling or parent does oral care with them. Toothbrushing and flossing can be a fun event involving multiple family members. Family members can challenge each other to brush for the full length of time.
Parents should not rely on children to remember to brush twice a day. Children often forget or may actively choose not to do it if it is not enjoyable for them. Parents might have a routine down, but children need help. Setting an alarm can help children develop consistency.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Fullerton, CA
You can also gently remind your child to brush at a designated time. It can be tough, but you need to be consistent even if your child resists. The alternative is potentially cavities and tooth decay. Establishing these habits when your child is young does stay with them into adulthood. It is much harder to form good oral care habits as an adult without that encouragement and consistency from you.
Request an appointment or call Fullerton Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at 714-459-8060 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
As a parent, implementing preventive pediatric dental care is important. Your priority is your child’s health. Dental health influences one’s general health. As a responsible parent, preventing dental problems is important. If you want to know more about preventive pediatric dental care, here are the details.A child’s dental care must have a routine dental check…
The pediatric dentist knows your child is active, and accidents can happen. You might be unsure what to do if something knocks a baby tooth out. You may think that since the tooth would have eventually fallen out anyway, it is no big deal. Or, you might worry about the impact the lost tooth will…
Starchy foods often lead to damages from cavities. Children love to eat. Diet seems to play a significant role in a child’s dental health. Telling your child not to eat sweets is only half the battle. The real targets are starchy foods. If you want to find out some pediatric dentistry information regarding starchy foods,…