As a parent, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your little one smile. But how well are you taking care of those pearly whites? If you have a toddler or elementary school child, you have a large role to play in your child’s oral health. Even if you are no longer brushing or flossing for your child, these are still critical years for helping your child develop strong oral hygiene habits. Teaching them the importance of dental health at a young age is an invaluable gift for their future smile!
Young children and toddlers are just as susceptible to tooth decay as an older child, yet they require an extra set of hands to get their teeth-cleaning done. Make sure you are brushing for the full 2minutes, 2 times a day. Do what you can to make it a fun routine – there are many tooth-brushing apps now available that encourage children to brush longer and better. Remember, that until your child can tie his or her own shoes or begin to write cursive, you will need to do the flossing. Lastly, don’t skip those routine dental check ups. Children not only benefit from a professional cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants, but they need to understand the importance of visiting the dentist. This will help them keep their dental appointments on the calendar as teens and adults.
There are some staggering statistics of tooth decay in children that can get your attention as parents. Tooth decay, while largely preventable, is one of the most common chronic diseases of children ages 6 to 11. In fact, tooth decay is 5 times more common than asthma, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, studies show that more than 40% of kids will have decay before they reach Kindergarten. Don’t let this be your child!
Make your child’s oral health a priority, which starts by making brushing and flossing a critical component of nighttime and morning routines in your household. Also, be sure to educate your child on the negative ways that sugary foods and drinks impact their smile. The next time you gaze at your child’s precious smile, we hope you feel confident that you are doing everything you can to make it a healthy smile both now and for the future!