Did you know that healthy, strong, beautiful teeth begin early in life? As early as around your first birthday, to be more precise. So, if you have young children, it’s paramount to start looking after their pearly whites right from the very first few months and years of their life. But with so much information and sometimes contradictory advice out there, how can you be sure that you’re doing the right thing? No worries: your Arlington pediatric dentist is here to help.
Read our guide below to discover our best tips that will make taking care of your kids’ teeth not only super easy but also fun.
Turn Toothbrushing into a Game
Children love to play, right? Not only that, they learn a lot through playtime and games of various kinds. So, why not incorporate some fun elements into their toothbrushing routine?
These can change according to what your kid is into at the moment. It could be music, books, or even a little dance. Some parents find it helpful to buy a small, colorful timer and set it to two minutes (the recommended toothbrushing time).
Children can have fun watching the seconds turn into minutes, and they will get excited to hear the alarm at the end. Another great idea is to turn toothbrushing into a fun family moment. You and your partner could brush (or pretend to!) your teeth at the same time as your little one, and show them how fun and nice it is to look after your dental health.
Book Their First Dental Appointment as Early as Possible…
Did you know that it is recommended to book your child’s first dental appointment around their first birthday? We know it may sound very early, but there are a number of reasons why this is the current advice.
First of all, contrary to popular belief, your child’s milk teeth are very important. Yes, they will fall out at some point in the next few years to make room for their adult teeth, but the way you take care of them will hugely impact how their permanent teeth grow and look.
Another crucial reason why you should be visiting your Arlington kids dentist early is to help your child get familiar with the dentist’s office. At first, these places may look and sound a bit strange, and some kids might feel intimidated.
The best way to minimize this, as well as to reduce the likelihood of your child developing dentophobia, is early exposure. Talk to them about the dentist’s office in an enthusiastic way, explain to them what tools they will be using and what new words they will learn. If you frame their experience in a positive way, their reaction will be just as positive.
… And Continue to See Your Pediatric Dentist in Arlington Regularly
The current recommendations say that adults should see their dentist at least once a year for a regular check-up. However, many people struggle to keep up with their appointments. Do you know what can help?
You’ve guessed it: create the habit of visiting the dentist in childhood. Attending their dentist’s appointments as often as required will enable your little one to understand that this is a very important, very normal part of their life and routine. This attitude will set the foundation for a great relationship with their dentist, as well as strong, healthy teeth for life.
Teach Them the Importance of Flossing
Let’s be honest: flossing can be a bit of a dull activity even for us adults. Nonetheless, it is super-important, so you should definitely introduce your little ones to flossing as soon as you think they are ready.
There is no set age when your child should learn how to floss, but dentists recommend that they have a first go when their teeth start touching each other. Usually, by the time they are around ten years old, they might be able to floss themselves. Until then, it’s always a good idea to give them a hand.
Cut Down On Refined Sugar
Diet is a fundamental part when it comes to your child’s health, and not purely in terms of weight and fitness. A varied diet that’s low in refined sugar, fizzy drinks, and fast foods is the key to a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you want your child to achieve this, then you need to pay particular attention to what you put on their plate (and in their drinking cup). Have you noticed that you are serving them ready-made snacks all too often? Do they have sugary drinks every single day?
Consider cutting down on all of these, and replace those “naughty” treats with healthier, more wholesome ones. Don’t worry, you won’t need to sacrifice flavor: you might just need to get a bit more creative in the kitchen. Trust us, though: it will be worth the effort.
Looking after Your Child’s Teeth Is Easy, with the Top Tips from Your Arlington Pediatric Dentist
If you are serious about taking great care of your little one’s pearly whites, then your trusted Arlington pediatric dentist can help. Remember that it’s never too early to start looking after your kid’s dental health.
As soon as their milk teeth come through, you’ll want to take them to see a good pediatric dentist in Arlington. Getting familiar with their dentist will make it easier to turn this into a habit that will accompany them for their whole childhood.
Would you like more information on children’s teeth, or have you decided to schedule your child’s first appointment with your Arlington dentist? Great, then give Park Place Kids a call today, and we’ll be delighted to help!