Healthy Teeth Children

Maintaining good oral health habits in childhood is crucial for the long-term well-being of children. As a parent, it is essential to guide and educate your child about the importance of oral hygiene. Making a regular visit to a dentist in Orem, UT will play a significant role in ensuring that your teeth and gums are healthy. This guide will discuss promoting optimal oral health in children. This will focus on pediatric dentistry and dental implants (whether they fit for a child or not). Let’s begin.

Starting Early: Establishing a Dental Routine

As your child’s first tooth erupts, it will be the best time to begin a dental routine. You’ll want to gently clean their gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush. As they get older, transition to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush that is designed specifically for children. Fluoride toothpaste should also be useful as well. Apply at least a grain of rice amount to your child’s toothbrush when they turn one year of age. As they get older, you can increase it to a pea size (particularly starting at the age of three).

You’ll want to encourage your child to brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes. It is also a good idea to teach them proper brushing techniques. Furthermore, you’ll want to visit an Orem dentist as early as six months of age. This will help them get comfortable with regular dental visits at an early age. This way, it will ensure that as they get older, they will see this as a routine thing rather than something that they could fear.

Setting a Positive Example

Children often learn by observing their parents. Letting them see you brush and floss your own teeth regularly will instill the importance of oral hygiene. You can turn this into a fun family activity by brushing together and creating a reward system for consistent dental care. Show enthusiasm and positivity towards oral health. This will encourage your child to develop healthy habits of their own. This positive reinforcement is always appreciated - no matter your child’s age. A dentist in Orem will even be impressed by the way your and your child’s teeth look upon their regular checkup. Speaking of which, let’s discuss them now.

Regular Dental Check-ups

As we’ve mentioned earlier, your child’s first dental appointment should be anywhere between 6 to 12 months. If you have an older child, no need to worry. But the sooner you get them into a pediatric dentist, the better. Finding one near Orem doesn’t have to be a challenge. You can find one that specializes in children, giving them a comfortable, kid-friendly environment. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure your child sees a dentist every six months.

These usual visits will allow early detection and prevention of any dental issues. This ensures that your child’s teeth and gums are in excellent condition. Your child should keep up the great work as their oral health goes beyond just their teeth and gums. Good oral health is also linked to good overall health. So, if you and your child want to love a healthy lifestyle, brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will certainly play a role. Your body will certainly thank you later on in life - whether you started your oral health journey early on in life or not.

Protecting Teeth During Sports

If your child participates in sports, it is recommended they use a mouthguard. This is to ensure that their teeth are protected from potential injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard can be made by a local pediatric dentist so they can get the best protection and a comfortable fit. Taking preventative measures such as wearing a mouthguard for sports can help save your child from dental trauma. Such cases can lead to dental implants that they’ll need later on in life.

Limit Pacifier and Thumb-sucking Habits

If your child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumb, it is important to make sure it’s limited. The reason for this is that it can affect the alignment of their teeth and even the development of their jaw. The best time to limit these habits for your child is when they reach the age of three, but no later than four. If they find it a challenge to stop, you may want to consider visiting a pediatric dentist who can provide helpful strategies and advice.

Address Dental Anxiety

The last thing we’ll look at is dental anxiety. There are a handful of children that may have anxiety going to the dentist. Needless to say, it’s perfectly normal. Taking your child to the dentist at an early age can reduce this issue. However, if your child has never been to a dentist, there is no need to kick yourself for not doing so earlier. But it is important to remember that dental anxiety is a possibility for older children who may have had no prior visits.

A pediatric dentist in Orem will be the best place for them to go. That’s because they’ll be working with professionals that know everything there is to know about dental anxiety. The good news is that they’ll provide effective strategies to ensure that your child has an enjoyable dental visit. When it comes time to visit a place like Gentle Dental Arts, they will feel less anxious.

Call Gentle Dental Arts today for your improved smile!

While your child may need to see a pediatric dentist, you can trust Gentle Dental Arts for your own needs. It’s important to schedule an appointment with us to preserve and protect your smile for years to come. Want to learn more about what we do?

Check out our website. If you are a candidate for any of our services, now will be a good time to set up an appointment. Call us today at 385-233-9823 or see us at our office on 385 W. Center St. in Orem, UT.