Good dental habits start early – and it’s never too soon for kids to understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. As parents, it’s up to us to set examples for our children and teach them about proper dental hygiene from an early age. Teaching your child how to brush correctly, floss regularly and visit the dentist regularly are essential steps in ensuring good oral health as they grow older. In this blog post, we’ll talk about ways to nurture healthy habits for children. Keep reading so you can prepare yourself –and your kiddos–for lifelong dental wellness!

To help parents navigate teaching dental care for their children, here is an overview of ways that you can nurture healthy habits: 

1. Start brushing early – It’s important to begin introducing your child to toothbrushing as soon as possible – even before they have any teeth! You can use a soft, wet washcloth or a baby toothbrush to clean their gums. When the first teeth emerge, you can start using a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste that’s designed for infants. As your child gets older, they can switch to regular toothpaste with an acceptable (low) level of fluoride. 
2. Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Make sure your children are brushing in the morning when they wake up and at night before bed for at least two minutes each time. Show them how to brush by starting in one corner of the mouth and working around it in circular motions with gentle pressure.
3. Set a good example – Kids are always watching and learning from their parents, so it’s important to make sure that you’re setting a good example when it comes to oral health. Make sure your own brushing and flossing habits are up to par and talk openly about the importance of dental hygiene with your children. 
4. Take them for regular check-ups – Taking your child to see a dentist regularly will help keep their teeth and gums healthy, as dentists can spot potential problems early on before they become more serious. The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by the time they turn one year old or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

Good dental habits are an important part of overall physical and mental health, so it’s essential for parents to start teaching their children healthy habits from an early age. By setting a good example, providing the right tools and taking them to regular check-ups, you can help keep your child’s teeth and gums strong and healthy as they grow. 

At Renova Smiles, we make sure that our entire team is focused on helping kids develop lifelong healthy dental habits by offering everything from preventive care to treatments in a friendly and caring environment. Our team also ensures patients for comfortability so that visits will be as enjoyable and safe every time. So give us a call today and let us help your child have a healthy smile for life!