As parents, you want your child to have a healthy, happy smile. Yet despite the best intentions, it is easy to fall into habits or routines that may have a negative impact on your child’s oral health. Life happens; we get it. The good news is that you can make changes.
It is easy to correct most mistakes once you are aware of them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common dental mistakes we see parents make so that you can avoid them.
Waiting Too Long to Start Dental Care
Don’t fall into the trap that baby teeth do not matter. This is a misconception that some parents believe, and they wait too long to seek dental care.
Baby teeth play a critical role in speech, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into place. It is so important that they are properly cared for. We recommend starting oral care even before the first tooth appears by gently cleaning your baby’s gums. Once teeth come in, brushing should begin right away with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Setting these habits early can lead to a lifetime of good oral health.
Letting Kids Brush On Their Own Too Soon
Kids love modeling their parents, and they get excited to be independent. But brushing effectively requires fine motor skills that many children don’t even develop until they are about seven or eight years of age.
Letting your child brush on their own too soon may not lead to the best results. Instead, brush together. Let your little one brush first, then you can follow up, making sure every surface is clean. It’s a win-win.
Minimizing the Need to Floss
Is flossing necessary for kids? Yes, as soon as two teeth touch. Many parents tend to put their focus on brushing and overlook the value of flossing. This will put your child at risk for cavities.
Consider getting kid-friendly floss picks to make this task a little easier and a little more fun. And, of course, make it a part of your child’s nightly oral hygiene routine.
Inconsistent Habits
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining oral health, but life can sometimes get in the way. Unfortunately, not brushing and flossing at night allows bacteria to wreak havoc on the teeth all night long.
As your pediatric dentist in Honolulu, we recommend brushing at least twice a day for two full minutes and flossing at bedtime. Creating a routine, such as brushing after breakfast and before bed, can build healthy habits, which can help to increase consistency. What’s more, making this time fun by adding music or brushing together can turn it into something they won’t want to skip.
Not Keeping Routine Dental Appointments
Finally, routine dental appointments are a necessity. It doesn’t matter how well you and your child maintain their oral health at home; it is not a replacement for professional cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments. These appointments help catch issues early and keep smiles healthy.
We recommend scheduling a routine visit every six months, starting around your child’s first birthday. After all, the more you prioritize oral health, the greater the chance they will have healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
Oral care begins early. Clean gums before teeth come in and begin brushing, even if there is only one tooth. This prevents decay and builds habits.
How long should I help my child with brushing and flossing?
Most kids will need help brushing until they are about 7 to 8 years old and flossing until about age 10. Each child is different, so continue to supervise and assist as needed until they can do a thorough, consistent job on their own.
At Pediatric Dentistry Kahala, we are here to support your child’s smile every step of the way with gentle, personalized care and a comprehensive list of services. Education about healthy habits is also a big part of what we do. If you have questions about your child’s dental routine or need to schedule a visit, contact us today.