Instill Good Oral Health Habits in Kids: Houston Dentist Tips
As a parent, you want to instill good oral health habits in your children. When you visit our Houston family dentist, we work with you to help your entire family develop better oral care habits.
Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most chronic childhood diseases? Yet, it’s entirely preventable. When your family practices good oral hygiene, you have a lower risk of cavities and actively prevent tooth decay.
As Houston dentists, we try to help families understand how important it is to establish healthy oral hygiene habits early on. One of the best ways to do this is for parents and caregivers to stay active and ensure this happens. With consistent effort today, you help your children develop healthy oral habits that last a lifetime!
Tips to Establish Good Oral Health Habits in Kids
According to a report from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), about 1 in 5 children under 5 years old has experience with tooth decay. This is a troubling number for us as Houston family dentists. However, there are ways to reduce this drastically.
When you start family dentistry visits and good oral health habits by the age of 1 or when the first teeth pop through your child’s gums, we slow or even reverse the tooth decay process in many children.
- As with any habit, repetition is essential when you want to establish healthy dental habits.
- When your child is an infant, wipe their gums with a clean cloth twice a day before the teeth start to break through. Once they come in, start brushing with a soft brush in the mornings and evenings.
- When those first teeth break through the gums (usually around the 1st birthday), it’s time to schedule regular visits with your Houston family dentist.
- For parents and caregivers, it’s important to monitor brushing and flossing as your children grow. Around 6 years old, kids only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Show your children how to brush along the gum line. This helps to promote healthy gums as they grow.
- Be sure that your child masters brushing before you expect proficient flossing. While both are crucial, it’s important to focus on one thing at a time as they develop their oral health habits. Typically, children under 10 years need help with floss.
- Be a role model for your kids and stick to what you teach them. Kids model their behavior after adults, so it’s essential to instill good oral health habits in yourself!
- Use toothpaste with fluoride because this has a positive impact on your teeth.
- If you have questions about dental sealants, talk to your Houston family dentist. Per the CDC, dental sealants prevent about 80% of cavities.
Good Oral Health Habits: What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit
While good oral health habits start earlier, it’s time to schedule a dental visit when your child’s first tooth appears. Per the ADA, this visit needs to happen within six months of when their first tooth breaks through. Moreover, schedule it no later than their first birthday.
As family dentists in Houston, we see parents take many approaches to their child’s oral health. Always well-intentioned, they don’t always understand the impact of waiting. Don’t wait until they start school or there’s an emergency.
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their kids’ oral health is to help them feel comfortable with their family dentist.
At this first visit, it’s mostly evaluation and a quick check. Your Houston dentist takes a look at the growth and development of their teeth and gums. Moreover, we try to make them feel comfortable with our dental team.
How to Foster Positive Visits for Kids
- Morning appointments are great for kids because they are rested and more cooperative.
- Keep your anxiety and concerns to yourself and speak privately with your dentist. Children pick up on emotions, so it’s important for parents to stay positive.
- Never use a trip to the dentist as a threat or punishment. This creates a negative experience for them before they arrive at our office.
- Don’t bribe your child. While it’s okay for some small rewards, bribes stand in the way of positive experiences.
- Talk with your child about going to the dentist. Tell them how important it is for their teeth and how we help them have strong, healthy smiles.
During The First Visit
During your child’s first visit to our Houston family dentist, here’s what to expect.
- We look for oral injuries, gum issues, cavities, and other problems.
- The dentist talks to you about the potential of tooth decay.
- Our team cleans your child’s teeth and provides you with some helpful tips for better oral health habits.
- Set aside time to talk about teething, pacifiers, thumb-sucking, and any concerns you have.
- We walk you through any treatments we feel are necessary and schedule your next appointment.
Kickstart Your Child’s Oral Health Habits with Your Houston Family Dentist!
When you want to still good oral health habits in kids, it often feels impossible. While it seems like some children never develop good oral hygiene, it’s important to stay consistent. With steady effort, we make steady progress.
In the meantime, schedule regular check-ups with your Houston family dentist. At your child’s visits, we help them with a boost from dental cleanings. Moreover, we work with them to stress the importance of oral hygiene habits.
With our convenient location near Rice Village and West U, we are happy to help your family start its oral health journey. Schedule an appointment today to kickstart your family’s oral health!
