The Best Secrets to Help You Keep Your Child’s Bright Smile

Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a struggle, but good oral hygiene is crucial to keeping young smiles healthy and bright. While there is no magic bullet that will get your kids excited about brushing, there are some things you can to make tooth brushing more fun and easier on the whole family. Of course, brushing needs to be as effective as it is fun. Here are some dental hygiene tips to make it both.

Get Acclimated

You should start gently brushing your child’s teeth with a soft brush as soon as his or her first tooth erupts. Doing so can prevent problems before they start and gets your child used to a toothbrush at a very young age. If you’re not sure how to go about brushing someone else’s tiny teeth, talk to a local children’s dentist for instructions.

Use Kid Friendly Products

It may cost a few cents more to get a toothbrush with Thomas the Train on it, but if it makes brushing more enjoyable for your child it’s well worth the investment. Look for toothbrushes and children’s toothpaste that feature your child’s favorite cartoon characters and toys. Doing so can get children excited about brushing.

Seal Off Molars

Your children will sprout their permanent molars around the age of 6. When they do, it’s important to see a pediatric dentist in Sherrills Ford to discuss sealants. In this completely painless procedure, the dentist places a coating over the chewing surface of the molars. This clear coating prevents food and bacteria from getting lodged in the deep grooves of these teeth where it can cause cavities. Sealants make keeping the back teeth clean easier and helps promote good dental hygiene in parts of the mouth that children struggle to reach.

Start Early

A lifetime of dental care requires many trips to the dentist. Get your child used to this by scheduling their first appointment with a local children’s dentist when they are still very young. During their first visit, the dentist is likely to simply move the dental chair up and down and use a tool to count your child’s teeth. These painless but fun procedures are designed to show small children that there is nothing to fear at the dentist’s office.