Families with children are always on the go, meaning tasks like dental care can sometimes be overlooked. In addition to visiting a children's dentist twice a year for cleanings and X-rays, parents should also ensure their kids are implementing proper dental hygiene habits each day. Here are a few helpful do’s and don’ts parents can follow to keep their kids smiling brightly.

Do:

Visit the children’s dentist early.

One of the best pieces of advice a children’s dentist will tell you is to schedule an exam before there is an issue. Scheduling biannual cleanings and a yearly X-ray gives their dentist the chance to catch any problems early on. This can help reduce the risk of cavities and other more serious health problems, like gum disease.

Teach your child good habits when they’re young.

Teaching your children proper dental hygiene habits early on improves the chances they’ll continue those practices throughout their life. By showing them how to properly brush and floss each day, you’re setting them up for healthy teeth and gums as they grow.

Do avoid thumb-sucking & pacifiers.

If your child has demonstrated signs of thumb-sucking, it’s a good idea to stop the habit before it becomes harder to break. It can cause their teeth to grow incorrectly, even pushing them forward and impacting the natural alignment of their smiles. Likewise, continued use of pacifiers for too long into a child’s life can cause similar problems.

Don't:

Reinforce dental fears.

Children often look to their parents to help them judge situations, so reinforcing the idea that it’s scary to visit the dentist will likely cause them to adopt the same attitude. Instead, parents should make an effort to use positive affirmations when it comes to visiting the dentist. When a child sees their guardian is excited by their teeth after a cleaning, they’ll feel less anxious about going themselves.

Create poor habits.

Additionally, a child will look to their parent to learn dental habits. If a parent doesn’t brush or floss regularly themselves, their child likely won’t make it a priority either. Try inviting your child to brush and floss with you each day. Turning it into a daily routine they look forward to can help you both cement these healthy practices for life.

If you’re looking for a reliable children’s dentist for your family, Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage provides comprehensive care to kids of all ages. Patients and their families praise Dr. Chris Coplin and his friendly staff for their excellent customer service, comfortable office, and quality dental work. Whether you're looking for routine cleanings, fillings, or emergency services, they will ensure your child smiles brightly. Schedule an appointment today by calling (907) 274-2525, or visit them online for more information on their services.