There’s nothing that makes you happier than seeing your little one flash a smile whenever they’re excited. You’d do anything to protect that, and you understand how important it is to establish a strong foundation for oral hygiene so they can have healthy teeth and gums as adults. A pediatric dentist in Poway offers tips and tricks to help fortify your child’s oral health and give them all the tools they need to have a great grin for years to come.

Teaching Children to Brush and Floss Properly

Teaching your children about oral hygiene at a young age is important in maintaining the long-term health of their teeth and gums. The earlier they’re introduced to routine oral hygiene, the more likely they’ll be to keep up with it. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of showing your son or daughter how to brush correctly:

• Step 1- Angle their soft-bristled toothbrush at 45 degrees between the gums and upper and lower teeth.
• Step 2 – Gently move their toothbrush with short strokes along their teeth and gums and continue this along the inside and outside surfaces of each of your child’s teeth.
• Step 3- Place their toothbrush upright to brush behind the top and bottom teeth.
• Step 4- Don’t forget to show them to brush their tongue to remove surface bacteria and keep their breath fresh!

With little fingers, it could be difficult for them to maneuver dental floss. Instead, you could get flossing picks or a water flosser for easier alternatives. This step is just as important as brushing, and is key to removing lingering bacteria, plaque, and food debris that contribute to decay and bad breath.

Regular Checkups and Cleanings with a Children’s Dentist in Poway

Taking your child to visit their kid’s dentist in Poway every six months for their checkups and cleanings is a vital part of their oral hygiene routine. Their dentist can teach them about the importance of taking care of their pearly whites and give them the knowledge they need to keep their mouth healthy. They’ll also check for bite issues or symptoms of oral health problems. Leaving these issues untreated can result in larger oral health problems down the line, so it’s best to get them taken care of early.

Watch for Bad Oral Habits

While thumb sucking is a completely natural habit, if they suck it intensely the age of four, it can affect their bite and teeth alignment. Speaking to their pediatric dentist can help offer some guidance on how to break these habits before they have negative impacts.

There’s nothing that makes you prouder than to see your child happy, healthy, and enjoying life. Taking them to see their dentist early on can help build the foundation for years of great hygiene and fantastic pearly whites. Follow these tips to help keep your little one’s oral health on track and give them a smile to be proud to show off as adults!

About the Author

Dr. Sambath Tiep has been providing children with quality dental care and a fun environment to learn about their oral health for over a decade. She enjoys watching little ones that enter her office hesitant, leave with smiles on their face excited to visit again! She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and an active member of several professional organizations, allowing her to keep up with the latest advancements in her field. For questions or to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning for your son or daughter, visit Bright Pediatric Smiles’ website or contact 858-251-3313.