Proper pediatric dental care can make a big difference in your child’s smile down the road. If you are unsure about how to help your child maintain oral health, our Elmhurst pediatric dentists are here to help! Keep reading to get some useful tips on dental care for kids…
The first thing the emphasize with your child is that dental care is something that we make time for every single day—it is so important that we don’t skip days! Remember: plaque is constantly building up on your smile, so we need to be just as diligent in cleaning or our teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends that your child brush his or her teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—and floss once a day—before brushing at night. Your dentist will let you know if you should follow a different schedule.
It is also important for kids to understand that the foods and drinks that we consume can alter our smile. Sugary substances, for example, help harmful oral bacteria grow and multiply, so we want to limit these substances in our diets. Water, on the other hand, helps our mouths stay clean and healthy!
You can also help your child develop good habits by encouraging her to rinse her mouth with water after every meal or snack. This simple oral hygiene step can make a big difference for your child’s smile, and help her enjoy fresh breath all day long.
Finally, you want to facilitate your child having positive treatment experiences with a professional dentist early and often. When your child views their dentist as a helper and collaborator, they are much less likely to suffer from dental anxiety in the future.
Contact our Elmhurst family dentists to learn more about pediatric dental care, and to schedule a consultation for your child! We look forward to speaking with you.