The role you play in your child’s life will remain important through the years even as your role as a parent features fewer direct forms of care. Once they are ready, kids begin to brush and floss for themselves. It is important not to rush this shift in responsibilities, as children need the maturity and dexterity to do this well. You can help prepare them for this task by offering guidance and modeling good behaviors. You also help them by bringing them for regular dental checkups. Pediatric dental exams include time to review and educate on at-home smile care. Your Rochester, MN dentist can help your little one prepare for brushing and flossing without help, and they can provide consistent in-office care to protect them against oral health threats.
It Is Important That Kids Be Properly Prepared To Brush On Their Own
As exciting as it is to see your little one learn to do more without your help, it is important that you not rush into letting them brush and floss on their own. If you are unsure of whether your child is ready, you can talk to your dentist about when to start this during one of their pediatric dental exams. You can also let them “practice” the routine of brushing on their own. The trouble with letting them take on this responsibility too soon is that they ca do a poor job cleaning their teeth, which means they are more likely to experience problems with their dental well-being.
Pediatric Dental Visits Can Provide Important Guidance For Your Kids’ Smile Care Efforts
Dental checkups for your kids should start after their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday. While the initial appointment can focus on making a gentle introduction to oral health services and the dentist’s office, later appointments will focus on more traditional preventive services. In-office evaluations and gentle cleanings will protect them and give you feedback about your well-being. We can also provide guidance to you and directly to your kids. For kids, we can discuss matters of oral hygiene and the importance of protecting teeth from harm. We can also provide direct guidance to them about brushing and flossing, and we can supply tips to you that you can use to help them sustain good habits.
You Can Still Play An Important Role In Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health!
Even after your kids begin brushing and flossing for themselves, there are important ways in which you still protect them. Preparing meals and snacks that are lower in sugar will help them avoid difficulties with cavities. You should also continue to offer guidance and act as a good role model for them; you can take time to brush and floss with them to help model good behaviors.
Talk To Your Rochester, MN Dentist About Your Child’s Oral Hygiene
It is important that kids feel comfortable brushing and flossing on their own. You can help them make sure they do a good job by providing guidance at home, and you can make sure they are cared for by bringing them to your Rochester, MN dentist! If you would like to find out more about how we can support everyone in your household, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
