When you encourage your children to develop good oral hygiene habits, you lay the foundation for a lifetime of dental and overall health. Proper brushing and flossing between visits to the dentist also makes semi-annual teeth cleanings happier events for kids and parents alike. Here’s how you can nurture good brushing habits that will help your children well into adulthood.

How Can I Teach the Importance of Dental Hygiene Between Teeth Cleanings?

Taking your child to the dentist for teeth cleanings every six months as soon as their first teeth start to emerge will help them develop a positive outlook on dental hygiene. Your dentist can talk to your child about tooth decay, and you can reinforce these lessons at home. Avoid using language that might scare your child about the dentist, and instead share the benefits of preventative care, such as strong teeth and gums and a beautiful, healthy smile.

What Steps Can I Take to Encourage Regular Brushing & Flossing?

Good dental hygiene begins before teeth even emerge from an infant’s gums. Start early by gently cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth. Graduate to a toothbrush as the first teeth begin to appear—usually around six to seven months old.

Toddlers should be encouraged to participate in the brushing routine, although they aren’t ready to take over the task themselves just yet. Help them learn to hold the toothbrush, and make dental hygiene fun by allowing them to choose their own. When your child is six to eight years old, you can allow them to brush on their own, particularly if you’ve already laid the groundwork for developing this healthy habit throughout their childhood. 

Braswell Family Dentistry in Perry, GA, offers general dentistry for your whole family in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Dr. Temiko Braswell and her team prioritize patient wellness and comfort, from teeth cleanings to root canals. This former United States Air Force dentist takes pride in serving the community with quality dental care, and she offers a range of payment and financing options so that healthy teeth and gums are within your reach. Call (470) 988-3200 or request an appointment online today.