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Your child’s oral hygiene practices affect their oral health in adulthood, and as their parent, you play a crucial role in their dental care. Beyond choosing their dentist and showing them proper dental cleaning practices, you’re also responsible for keeping them engaged, encouraged, and invested in their dental health. Below is a complete guide to your child’s dental needs at every age.

How to Improve Your Kids’ Oral Hygiene Based On Their Age

Up to 2 Years Old

Their first tooth should erupt between 4 months and 1 year of age, but until then, clean their gums with a washcloth after feeding them. Their first dental appointment should happen shortly after eruption, and then they’ll need checkups every 6 months. To care for the erupting teeth, use a very small amount of child-safe toothpaste to brush them. To make it a positive experience for them, act excited about brushing, offer their favorite toy or teething ring afterward, and sing while you’re brushing. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle, as formula and milk will feed bacteria all night and cause cavities.

Ages 2–5

At age 2, switch to fluoridated toothpaste. Let them practice brushing their own teeth, but always supervise and brush them yourself afterward. As their diet expands, minimize sugary drinks and snacks, as sugar contributes to cavities by feeding bacteria, which create acidic excretions. To keep your kids interested in dental cleaning, let them pick their own supplies, and incentivize brushing by creating a reward system. Brush your teeth with them to set a good example and show that it’s important to you.

Ages 5–8

oral hygieneAs they eat outside of the house more, stress the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Establish a brushing schedule by age 5 or 6, as kids do well with routines, and watch for their molars to erupt. Molars are susceptible to cavities due to their position, so spend extra time brushing them, and ask their dental provider about sealants, which protect teeth from decay. When your child is coordinated enough (around 7 years old), let them brush their teeth without you brushing them a second time, but supervise until you’re confident in their abilities.

Ages 8+

Since you can’t control what they eat at school or with friends, make sure you’re serving healthy meals at home. Continue rewarding them for good oral hygiene, but tailor the rewards to their age and interests. Until their baby teeth are gone, use toothbrushes designed for their age group, as they effectively clean around both baby and permanent teeth. Your child should still have biannual checkups to watch for issues like cavities, overcrowding, and misalignments, which may require fillings or braces. If your kid plays sports, get them a durable mouthguard for protection, ideally from their dental office.

 

Protect your child’s oral hygiene by choosing Bethel Family Dentistry in Bethel, OH. With experienced professionals and state-of-the-art technology, they’ll care for your child’s teeth in an engaging, calming environment. From dental cleaning to sealants to fillings, their comprehensive services accommodate all ages. Like their Facebook page for more tips, and call (513) 734-2029 to schedule an appointment.

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