Pediatric Dental Care Between Trips to the Dentist

Teaching children to properly care for their teeth is important. While routine, semi-annual dental exams are a key part of adequate oral care, it is important to teach daily oral hygiene to children. Visits to the dentist will be much less difficult if proper oral care is practiced and maintained at home. Employing a few different techniques will keep the process fun and profitable.

Children love to chart their progress and be rewarded for reaching a goal. Try creating a chart that tracks how often they brush, floss and use mouthwash. Each of these components promotes a healthy mouth, and charting their use will help your children develop excellent oral care habits. Reward them with a prize once the chart is completed, and praise them for keeping up the great work.

It is not enough, however to simply chart progress when it comes to your children and their teeth. It is imperative to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques. When you visit the dentist, the hygienist will gladly show your child how to brush properly to clean the teeth and keep them free of bacteria. Flossing is difficult for children to master. You may want to purchase some prepackaged flossers that are easy for children to hold and manipulate. As they get older, you can teach them how to use dental floss properly.

Mouthwash is sometimes an overlooked aspect of a healthy dental routine. Mouthwash helps eliminate bacteria and remineralize teeth after brushing. There are several products available for children, and they are not difficult for the child to use because the taste is pleasing for them. Ask your dentist which mouthwash he would recommend for your children.

Through the fall and winter holidays, it seems candy and sweets consumption rises dramatically. It is during these times that you should be proactive in maintaining your child's oral care. Taffy or gummy-like candies stick to the teeth and can cause rapid decay. You will want to emphasize excellent brushing habits, especially during high-sugar times!

No one expects children to be perfect in their teeth brushing and flossing habits. Your dentist certainly understands that children need consistent, adequate training to learn to care for their teeth. However, this is one of those types of habits that does not just "happen." Your children need to be trained and coached to make sure they are developing good habits and maintaining them.

Any time you have questions about your children and their teeth; give your dentist a call. They love to help their patients, but if they do not know you have questions then they obviously cannot help. Allow them the privilege of serving you and your family in this way.