Oral Health for Kids
When it comes to oral health, everyone is different, including kids! It's important for parents to help guide children into great oral health habits. Here's some tips on how to brush correctly for children:
- Finding a brush: Always choose a brush with soft bristles and a small head, which is normal for children's brushes. You can of course also choose brushes that your child will enjoy, as this can help to encourage them through the oral health learning process!
- Holding the toothbrush: Many children struggle to hold a toothbrush at first. You can make this easier by using a rubber band to hold the brush in your child's hand, or you can attach the brush to something larger to make it easier to hold, like a tennis ball.
- Choosing a toothpaste: Cavities are extremely common in young children, so you want to use a toothpaste fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. The amount of toothpaste used will depend on your child's age; for children under 3 years old, use a small smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. For children 3-6 years old, you can increase the amount to about a pea-sized smear. Always be sure to put the right amount of toothpaste onto the brush yourself to avoid any overuse by your child.
- Engage: Use games, and keep your child engaged in the process of brushing. This helps encourage a fun attitude about brushing, and will make it easier to instill great oral health habits with your child!
Children's Dentistry in Palos Heights
Taking the time to help your child brush correctly can make a big difference! It's vital to create great oral health habits at a young age, so that they will carry through into adulthood, and to help prevent serious dental issues from forming. At-home care is so important to your child's health, and so is visiting the dentist for regular cleanings, starting at a young age! If you have any questions, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, don't hesitate to contact our office today for more information! We can't wait to help you and your child get a happy, healthy smile!