Tips for Promoting Kids’ Oral Health

Advice for keeping your child’s teeth strong and healthy from your dentist in Tustin CA

When it comes to dental care for kids, it’s important to remember that what we do now will have a lasting effect on the child’s oral health for their entire life. By following these tips from your trusted children’s dentist in Tustin CA, you can make sure that your child develops healthy teeth and good oral hygiene habits.

Set a Good Example

Kids tend to mirror the attitudes of their parents, so if you don’t think going to the dentist is important, you child probably won’t take their oral hygiene seriously either. On the other hand, by setting a good example for your child and showing that you brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist fearlessly, you can encourage these same healthy habits for them.

Start Visiting the Dentist Early

Kids can have their first visit to the dentist starting when their first tooth appears, or by the time they turn one. The earlier you visit the dentist and start getting your child used to the experience the better. It’s important to choose a dentist in Tustin CA who is calm, caring, and compassionate and knows how to help kids feel at ease. The last thing you want to do is make your child afraid to visit the dentist, as this type of phobia can easily follow them into adulthood if you’re not careful.

Supervise Oral Care at Home

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends beginning to brush your child’s teeth as soon as they erupt from the gums using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can begin to use toothpaste when the child turns two. Be sure to supervise the daily brushing routine to ensure that your child doesn’t swallow any toothpaste and also to make sure they brush their teeth long enough.

Limit Sugar and Encourage a Healthy Diet

Foods that are high in sugar, especially those that also stick to the teeth, can contribute to the rapid development of cavities. You should limit sugary foods and drinks in favor of healthy, crunchy snacks like raw vegetables. Also, make sure your child gets enough calcium to support healthy bone and tooth development.
Don’t Allow Thumbsucking
Excessive thumbsucking in children can affect dental development, especially if it continues past age three. Teeth may come in crooked and in some cases the shape of the roof of the mouth can also be affected.
Address Dental Issues Promptly
Studies have shown that dental pain can affect kids’ ability to concentrate in school and cause them to get bad grades. It’s important to communicate with your child and make sure that they tell you about any dental pain they may be having so you can take them to the dentist in Tustin CA for prompt treatment.