Tips for Helping Your Kids Establish a Solid Oral Health Care Routine

When you want the best for your kids, you’ll do anything to prioritize their overall health, and that includes a solid oral health care routine. Good dental habits early in life can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. 

Luckily, Bella Pinkatz, DDS, and our dedicated team at Kew Gardens Dental P.C., in the Kew Gardens neighborhood in Queens, New York, offer outstanding pediatric dentistry services. In the meantime, we’ll offer some practical tips to help you guide your children towards excellent oral health. 

Let’s get started! 

Begin with the basics 

It’s never too early to start caring for your child’s teeth. Even before their first tooth appears, you can: 

Clean their gums

Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feeding. This helps remove bacteria and prepares them for brushing. 

Introduce a toothbrush

Once the first tooth erupts, we recommend using a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. 

Make it routine 

Additionally, establishing a regular routine is key. It’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day, once in the morning after breakfast and once at night before bedtime. These routines help your kids understand the importance of daily oral care. 

Make brushing fun 

When it comes to oral health care, making it fun for your little ones can make all the difference. Here are just some of our recommendations: 

Choose an interesting toothbrush 

One fun way to make dental cleaning more fun is letting your child pick a toothbrush with their favorite character or a colorful pattern or design. 

Play music 

Brush along to a two-minute song to make the time pass quickly. 

Use apps 

Apps can make life easier in many ways. There are several kid-friendly apps that make brushing more interactive and enjoyable for you and your child. 

Set a good example  

Kids learn best by example. Brush your teeth with them to show that it’s an important part of the daily routine. Your enthusiasm will encourage them to follow suit. 

Teach proper techniques 

When it comes to making better habits stick, it helps to teach your children the correct way to brush and floss. Here’s what you can do: 

Brush all surfaces 

Show your kids how to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of their teeth.

Use circular motions 

Encourage gentle, circular motions rather than harsh scrubbing. 

Floss daily 

Once your child’s teeth start touching, introduce flossing. You might need to help them until they can do it on their own. 

Encourage healthy eating habits 

When in doubt, always remember that diet plays a significant role in oral health. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can prevent cavities. For healthier snack options, we recommend fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt instead of candy and soda. Additionally, encourage drinking water, especially fluoridated water, instead of sugary drinks. 

Regular dental visits 

Last but certainly not least, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early visits help: 

Prevent cavities 

Our team can provide treatment like fluoride varnishes and cleanings. 

Monitor development 

We ensure your child’s teeth are coming in properly and address any issues early. 

Ultimately, when it comes to helping your kids establish a solid oral health care routine, it doesn’t have to be a stressful or daunting process. By starting early, making it fun, and maintaining regular dental visits with our team, you can set your children on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

If you’re ready to learn more, call our office at 518-757-0854 or request an appointment online.