We want children to develop good brushing and flossing habits that will last them a lifetime, and you want their teeth and gums to stay healthy.
We want even the littlest patients to learn about the importance of good dental health. We also believe that when kids have this knowledge, they are more likely to be active participants in their daily brushing and flossing.
Discussion
Talk to your child about brushing and flossing, and why it’s important to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Explain how sugar can stick to your teeth if it isn’t brushed away.
Demonstration
Demonstrate proper technique by brushing and flossing in front of them, and help them learn to do it themselves.
Attitude
Maintain light, relaxed conversations about dental visits. Even if coming to the dentist isn’t your favourite activity, keep all comments breezy positive in front of your child. They need to see that going to see the dentist is nothing to fear.First Tooth First Visit
We see infants by age 1 or within 6 months of eruption of their first tooth.
Your child may be at risk for tooth decay if:
- Your child regularly eats or drinks anything high in sugar (even natural sugar)
- Your child regularly drinks from a sippy cup containing anything but water
- You or other caregivers have tooth decay
- Your child takes medications containing sugar
- Your child’s teeth are brushed less than once per day
- Your child has white or brown spots on his/her teeth
- Your water supply is not fluoridated
How to protect your child’s teeth
Before Teeth erupt:
Wipe mouth with a clean moist face cloth morning and night. Making it a part of your daily routine will benefit long term
Avoid baby bottle decay by not putting your baby to bed or down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula or milk. Avoid letting your baby fall asleep while nursing
After teeth Erupt:
- Introduce fluoridated toothpaste (the size of a single grain of rice) with an appropriate size toothbrush every morning and every evening before bed
- Juice and milk should be limited to meal times. If a sippy cup is introduced between meals keep to only water (each sip of juice or milk bathes the teeth in acid for 20 minutes!). Begin flossing as soon as any two teeth contact.
- Begin discouraging the use of pacifiers by the age of 2 to prevent problems with development of “bite” and the shape of their mouth.
Tips for cooperation
Start Early. If oral hygiene habits start at a very young age children come to expect it as part of their daily routine.
Make it Fun. Singing a brushing song or allowing the child to have a turn can create a positive experience. Don’t wait until the child is overtired and cranky.
Motivate. Often children will gladly brush for a sticker or a star on a chart, or you can brush together to make it a group activity. Involve them by allowing them to choose their own toothpaste or toothbrush colour at the store.
Stand Firm. Don’t let them off the hook if they resist. Have the attitude that “it must be done” like a diaper change or a bath.