Proper dental care is essential for healthy teeth and your child requires specific care at each stage of their lives. Pediatric Dental Group provides quality pediatric dentistry services, cleanings, and prevention treatments for patients in the Honolulu, HI community. They want you to know how you can help your children develop healthy dental care habits as they grow.

When you have an infant or toddler, the dental professionals at Pediatric Dental Group advise bringing your child in for their first checkup by the age of 12 months or when they get their first tooth. If your baby’s teeth have not appeared yet, clean their gums after every feeding. For children who have developed teeth, gently brush them with water after every meal. Pediatric Dental Group recommends providing supervision when your toddler is old enough to brush his teeth on his own.

Place a pea-size amount of toothpaste on a soft bristled brush and teach your child to spit out the paste after brushing. Remember that regular dental checkups are important for children of all ages. Encourage your child to think positively of the dentist by explaining in age-appropriate terms what to expect from the visit. Avoid using negative words such as “shot” or “hurt” that will make your child feel anxious.

Your preteen or teenager will have similar dental health habits as an adult, but they should still visit a pediatric dentist for their dental care needs. In addition to brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, they should also floss at least once a day. Make sure they have a healthy diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables and they drink lots of water. The experts at Pediatric Dental Group also urge your preteen and teens to avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar. Most important, teeth should be used only for eating—never for activities like chewing ice, opening bottles with caps, or other non-eating activities.

Teaching your children good dental hygiene and getting regular dental exams is a great way to make sure they’ll grow up with a healthy and happy smile. Call the Pediatric Dental Group at (808) 593-8828 to schedule your child’s next checkup or visit them online to learn more about their services.