Any pediatric dentist will tell you that it’s a great idea to instill positive oral hygiene habits at an early age. Children’s dental care doesn’t just impact the quality of your little one’s baby teeth—it also paves the way for their oral well-being as an adult. To ensure optimum dental health, teach your kids the following four habits.

4 Essential Children’s Dental Care Habits

1. Get Rid of the Pacifier

Sucking on a pacifier beyond the intended age can affect the roof of the mouth and cause problems with teeth alignment. Sucking a thumb or finger can have similarly negative effects, so have you child break the habit as early as possible.

2. Brush Daily

A study by the National Institutes of Health showed that 42% of children between the ages of two and 11 had dental caries in their primary teeth. Regular brushing is the best thing you can do to keep your kid from contributing to these statistics. As soon as teeth appear, brush twice a day with a small amount of toothpaste and a children’s brush.

3. Incorporate Flossing

Once your child has two adjacent teeth, you can start flossing. Wrap the ends of the floss around each forefinger, moving it up and down between the teeth in a C-shaped motion. Work gently down into the gum line, and use a fresh bit of floss each time you move to a new area of the mouth.

4. Visit the Dentist

The American Dental Association recommends bringing your child to the dental clinic as soon as their first tooth appears. However, their first appointment should be no later than their first birthday. 

If you need a children’s dental care expert in Florence, KY, look to Bert Bathiany DMD. Since 1980, this family-friendly dental clinic has established a reputation for attentive care and a welcoming atmosphere. You can find out more about their services by visiting them online. To schedule an appointment, give them a call today at (859) 525-2100.