At Arizona Smile Designers, we care about your family’s oral health, including the youngest of the group. While we provide a variety of dental services in Cottonwood for children through adulthood to help our patients have their healthiest and brightest smiles, the truth is the foundation for optimal oral health for kids and adults starts at home. As a parent or caregiver, your goal is always to set your child up for success as much as possible. This comes in many forms, but one of the most important is instilling in them a routine of healthy habits from the start.
Practicing good oral hygiene should begin as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital for the first time. Gently wipe down gums after meals and begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. Consistent repetition of these habits will show your child from the start that maintaining care of their mouth and teeth is just a normal part of their everyday routine.
As your child gets older and gains independence, it will be time to pass the torch—or in this case, toothbrush—to their tiny little hands. It’s important to supervise their brushing until they are old enough to do a thorough job on their own, standing by to help guide them or assist when needed.
While children will learn just by observation, it’s a good idea to explain the ins and outs of proper brushing and flossing to your kids. This cements the knowledge in their minds further while also helping them understand the reasons behind the actions.
Other ways to help your child understand the importance of healthy hygiene include:
Another important – albeit more difficult part of a healthy oral health routine is flossing. Flossing can be a bit more difficult for children to master, but with time and practice, they will catch on, creating a habit for life. Show them how to pull out a long strand of dental floss, wrapping each side around a finger on each hand. They will slide it gently between each tooth in a back-and-forth motion. Disposable floss picks are also a great way to start for those with small, less-coordinated hands.
Consistency is the best way to create a lasting routine for your children. Starting from birth, it’s important to let your child observe your own healthy habits while helping them develop their own. Maintaining oral hygiene is a great way to lay the foundation for fantastic oral health, and Arizona Smile Designers is here for everything else you need. In addition to taking care of their teeth at home, another important aspect includes regular teeth cleanings and exams. We are proud to serve the dental care needs of families in Cottonwood and the surrounding areas in Northern Arizona. From routine care to dentures to cosmetic dentistry, our team is ready to walk side by side with you on your journey to your perfect smile.
For more details or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at 928.634.8610 or simply request a treatment consultation using our easy online form.
