As a parent, helping your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile from an early age can instill excellent habits they’ll carry with them through every life stage. They’re never too young to get started, so start being proactive now. If you’re wondering how you can prioritize dental care in your family, the following guide will help.

How Parents Can Promote Excellent Dental Care 

1. Establish a Family Oral Hygiene Routine

As soon are your child gets their first baby tooth, decay and dental problems can occur. With this in mind, pediatric dentists encourage parents to begin brushing their child’s teeth with a child-sized toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts.

When your child is able to brush on their own with supervision, usually around the age of three or four, make brushing twice a day and flossing before bed a compulsory activity you perform as a family. 

2. Prioritize a Healthy Diet

In addition to a strong oral hygiene regimen, parents should monitor their children’s diet. Certain foods, particularly high-sugar, acidic items like soda, fruit juice, sour candy, caramel, maple syrup, and other desserts, linger on teeth, wearing down enamel and leading to cavities.

Prioritize a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. When your little one does enjoy a sweet treat, make brushing afterward part of the bargain and have them wash away sugar and acidity with plenty of water.  

3. Visit a Children’s Dentist

Most importantly, find a great pediatric dentist in your area that specializes in preventive care. Starting at the age of one or when your child’s first tooth emerges, schedule routine checkups every six months.

These exams will catch oral health issues early on, provide education so your child understands how to maintain a healthy smile, and allow your little one to establish a rapport with their dentist so they’re more comfortable during visits. 

Are you looking for a friendly, compassionate pediatric dentist that goes above and beyond to ensure every young patient is at ease? If so, Alaska Dentistry for Kids is your one-stop shop for comprehensive dental care. Conveniently located in Anchorage, AK, families throughout the region count on Dr. Chris Coplin and his team for cutting-edge care. To schedule your child’s first appointment, call today at (907) 274-2525. For more information on this modern practice and the wide range of services offered, visit them online.