February is important for more than just candy hearts and flowers. It’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the benefits of early dental services for children. With the right care early in life, it sets the groundwork your child needs to maintain a healthy smile through all stages in life. Besides caring for their teeth and gums at home, they also need to see their family dentist in Gorham at least twice a year. You can ensure your child has everything they need for a healthy smile that lasts.
Importance of a Healthy Smile
Your child’s baby teeth are only in place for a few short years before they fall out to be replaced by their permanent ones. From the moment their first tooth erupts, they are learning how to chew and speak correctly. Each baby tooth acts as a placeholder for their adult teeth; therefore, it’s essential they stay strong and healthy to last for a lifetime.
It’s best to introduce your child to an oral hygiene routine early to teach the importance of caring for their smile. Besides brushing and flossing, your child’s oral health also relies on the services they receive from their dentist. It’s best for them to have a cleaning and checkup at least twice a year. This allows their dentist to monitor their dental health to intervene quickly if an issue arises, like a cavity.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile
Before your child’s first baby tooth erupts, you can introduce oral hygiene into their day. Use a soft cloth to clean their gums at least twice a day. After their first tooth emerges, it’s time to introduce new habits, including:
- Brushing twice per day. Choose a toothbrush that accommodates the size of your child’s mouth and has soft bristles. Use a fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of their teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day.
- Floss nightly. Around the age of 6, the spaces between your child’s teeth will become smaller as they are replaced by adult teeth. Now is the time to introduce nightly flossing using a high-quality dental floss.
- Encourage a healthy diet. Ensure your child eats a well-balanced diet that’s limited in sugars. Be sure they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and cleanse their teeth in between brushing.
- Visit the dentist. Around their first birthday, your child should see their dentist in Gorham. They should maintain regular visits at least every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
Invest in a Healthy Smile
You can give your child the foundation they need for lasting oral health. Invest in their smile with early dental care.
About Morgan-Hill Dental Care
Morgan-Hill Dental Care treats patients of all ages to create generations of healthy smiles. We focus on prevention to keep the teeth and gums healthy to reduce the need for invasive treatments in the future. If it’s time for your child to see the dentist, we offer the comfortable, compassionate care they need. Contact our office today for an appointment.