Even when they are not yet old enough to brush and floss on their own, kids should understand that their dental health is important. You can help them learn this when you clean their teeth, and when you take care to provide them healthy meals and snacks. While this guidance is valuable, you do not have to provide all of the instructions that they receive. One of the benefits of pediatric dentistry is that your child’s dentist can educate them on why they should take good care of their smile. This helpful guidance can make them more attentive as they learn to brush and floss, and it can help them recognize why they should be careful about what they eat and drink.
The Importance Of Learning Good Hygiene Habits At A Young Age
Kids need to develop the coordination to brush and floss properly before they should take on these responsibilities for themselves. With that said, before they reach an age where they can do this, it can benefit them to make sure they understand why caring for their smile is important. During early dental visits, your dentist can help you educate kids on the value of good oral hygiene. In addition to this, they can check on the development of their oral structures and help them feel at ease with oral health care.
When Should Your Child Start Seeing Their Dentist?
An initial visit with the dentist should happen when a child’s first tooth arrives, or when they celebrate their first birthday. At around age three, they can begin routine semiannual dental exams. These early visits can provide many benefits. You have feedback about their development as their primary (baby) teeth start to arrive, and updates as those teeth are replaced with their secondary (adult) teeth. Your kids will learn the importance of keeping their teeth clean when they are young, and your dentist can even help them once they reach an age where they can be taught to brush and floss without your assistance.
We Can Help If A Problem Affects Your Child’s Smile
With the right approach to care at home and the dentist’s office, you can effectively keep your child’s smile safe from dental decay. Unfortunately, problems will sometimes arise that require restorative dental work. When this occurs, your dentist can make sure they receive a conservative restoration to protect a tooth and stop a cavity from spreading further. By placing a dental filling to stop the cavity from growing worse, we can prevent complications that might interfere with the development of their smile.
Sunny Smiles Can Help Your Kids Learn Good Daily Hygiene Habits!
Through regular visits with their dentist, kids can receive helpful guidance on maintaining their oral hygiene as well as in-office care to keep their teeth and gums in good condition. To find out how we can help families in and around the El Paso, TX area, contact our Sunny Smiles dental office on N. Zaragoza Road at 915-849-9000.