Your Pediatric Dentist in Rapid City
AT ADVANCED DENTAL PROFESSIONALS, children of all ages are welcome to our practice. Our pediatric dentists in Rapid City, Dr. Studer and Dr. Lemmon, love to teach kids about good oral health. The earlier oral hygiene habits are learned, the better their health for the future.
Optimal oral hygiene is critical to your child’s overall health. Children need healthy teeth to speak correctly, eat well, and smile comfortably. In pediatric dentistry, we highly recommend starting good oral hygiene habits in childhood as early as possible.
So, how exactly do you teach children the importance of caring for their teeth? Below are some tips we’ve compiled to get you off to a good start.
Supervision
More supervision will be needed the younger the child is. As parents, you must ensure they’re not only brushing their teeth twice a day but doing it correctly. Observe them, give them positive pointers along the way, and step in when they need help to clean up the missed spots.
Routines
When we make good oral hygiene part of a morning or bedtime routine, it will feel very natural to kids. Have your children brush their teeth at the same time daily. For example, cleaning their teeth can be the last thing they do before their bedtime story or heading out the door in the morning. Regardless of how busy you may be, your children should never skip this part of the routine!
Lend a Helping Hand
We all know now that daily flossing is equally as important as brushing. Unfortunately, it tends to be a more challenging routine to establish due to maneuvering. Demonstrate to your kids with your own teeth. Then, help them guide the floss correctly in their mouths. Maybe consider using flossing picks, as they may be easier for little hands. Be sure to help your children floss the molars and hard-to-reach areas for them until they grow more comfortable doing it independently.
Encourage Healthy Food
Your child’s diet is one of the most essential elements to their oral health. Allowing kids unlimited amounts of candy, sweets, juices, or other junk food does not result in healthy teeth. Beyond that, children who eat unhealthy, high-sugar diets when they are young tend to crave these foods in adulthood. Instead, opt for tooth-friendly healthy snacks, like fruit, string cheese, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and yogurt. Candy and sweets are great for special occasions and holidays but always should be enjoyed in moderation.
Be the Example
All children copy their parents to a fault. Your child watches and sees you as their role model. There is no better way to show kids the importance of excellent oral health than looking out for your own teeth. Let them observe you brushing, flossing, and making healthy dietary choices, and they will follow suit.
Six Month Checkups with your Pediatric Dentist in Rapid City
Everyone, young and old, should visit their dentist’s practice at least once every six months. This checkup is crucial to maintaining great oral health and catching problems before they start. Children are often much calmer and have more fun when visiting a pediatric dentist.
We understand that many young patients are nervous about visiting the dentist. Everyone at Advanced Dental Professionals takes extra time to ensure that our youngest patients feel comfortable and at ease. Come see your pediatric dentist in Rapid City for the best dental care around.
