Oral health requires daily practice and good oral hygiene habits begin at a young age. Parents lead by example and there are many Do’s and Don’ts for your children’s dental health.

• DO take your child to the dentist early and regularly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you visit the dentist with your baby before they even turn a year old. Acclimating them to the dental office, chair, and experience is important to begin a lifelong habit of dental hygiene. Early visits also prepare you as you can discuss your child’s oral health with the dentist.
• DON’T reinforce fears. Statistics show that over 15% of Americans experience fear of the dentist. These fears can easily pass on to the next generation. By taking your child to the dentist early in life, it may help to alleviate this fear from the outset. Also, by choosing a pediatric dentist, he or she will be specially trained to help children feel more comfortable. Your child will grow to learn that the dentist is there to keep them healthy, just like their pediatrician.
• DO teach your child good habits while they’re young. You can begin to care for your child’s teeth before they even emerge. Wiping your child’s gums and mouth daily will not only remove harmful bacteria from the mouth but will also prepare them for the toothbrush when that first little tooth pops through. Establishing a routine will also help to create healthy teeth habits for a lifetime
• DON’T create unhealthy eating habits. We all know that avoiding sugary treats and candies is an important habit. There are also other snacks to avoid in order to set a lifetime of healthy eating habits for your child’s overall health as well as your child’s dental health. Avoiding the following foods is important to dental health: starchy, refined foods and breads, popcorn, and chewy, sticky foods. When you do allow your child to imbibe in these foods on occasion, be sure to teach them to clean their teeth immediately afterwards.
• DO introduce healthy foods- Introducing healthy foods and snacks is even more important than avoiding the bad. Calcium rich yogurt and green leafy vegetables are foods that promote dental health.
• DON’T forget that baby teeth are important as well. Baby teeth are not just throwaway teeth. They are just as important as permanent teeth and they are increasingly important to the future health of your child’s permanent teeth as they establish healthy dental habits for a lifetime.

Finally, DO call us for an appointment today to begin the journey of lifelong dental health.