We’ve made it our mission at Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry to assist as many children as possible achieve their best, healthiest smile. Our compassionate pediatric dentist team in Boerne provides not only excellent care, but are happy to stand by as oral health mentors and cheerleaders as your child grows. While we are here for exams, cleanings and dental treatment, many aspects of good oral health happen within the walls of your own home. We can’t be by your side every step of the way, but we can provide the guidance needed to inform families about the healthy habits that should be practiced at home.
Six Dental Hygiene Tips For Your Family
The earlier you begin modeling and teaching healthy oral hygiene habits, the better. Creating a routine while educating your children about the importance of proper care can save a lot of discomfort, time, and money in the long run. These six tips will help keep your child’s oral health in tip-top shape.
- Early and Annual Exams
At Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we follow the recommended timeline suggested by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that states child’s first dental screening should have start at age one. Although few teeth will be present, starting annual visits at a young age will lay a solid foundation to build a commitment to oral health. Not only will it allow our dentists to monitor progress from the beginning, it will also give your child a chance to acclimate to visiting a dentist’s office, cementing it as a common practice instead of a place to fear. Staying up to date on visits every six months as recommended will allow for our team to evaluate development, recognize problem areas and provide advice that will bring positive results. As your child gets older, fluoride treatments, and preventative measures such as sealants become a possibility, providing more safety measures against decay. - Proper Brushing Techniques
Oral care should begin from the start, with daily wiping of your baby’s gums and tongue. As they get older and their tiny little teeth begin popping up, it’s time to start brushing. A soft-bristled brush is recommended, one that is the right size for your child’s mouth. It will be awhile before your child can effectively brush on their own, so plan to help and assist through childhood. It’s also a good idea to make sure your child sees you and other family members brushing and flossing to gain an understanding of what’s typical and expected. Make the experience fun with the use of music, timers, videos or rewards. The main goal is to ingrain brushing into the fabric of your daily lives— at least twice a day—so it becomes a natural habit. - The Importance of Flossing
Another important aspect of oral health to teach your children is how to properly Floss, and we don’t mean the dance move. Children should floss at least once a day, preferably during their evening brush, to remove trapped food particles. Since navigating traditional floss can be a bit tricky for small hands, consider picking up some floss sticks for your child. These days, they even come in fun colors and animal shapes to appeal to a younger crowd. - Consider Food & Drink
Sugar—it’s so good, but oh, so bad. While kids naturally gravitate toward sweet and sugary treats, it’s important to avoid drinks that are harmful for the kids oral health as much as possible. Foods and drinks that are sugary, acidic, sticky or gooey should be left for special occasions instead of devoured constantly. These items create a breeding ground for bacteria and cavities. It’s easier to create these habits from the start instead of implementing them later, teaching the importance of good nutrition for both oral and overall health. - Avoid Bad Habits
Beyond the obvious no-no of munching on candy or chugging a soda, other bad habits can wreak havoc inside the mouth. Kids, especially younger ones—have a tendency to put everything in their mouth. Not only can that spread germs, but it can end up causing problems with their teeth. Using teeth to chew on pencils, chomp ice or rip open a package are all things that can cause tooth damage. Remind your children that teeth should only be used to chew food. - Prepare Accordingly
Preparation leads to success! If you plan to be away from the house, consider tossing toothbrushes, floss sticks and/or sugar-free gum in your bag, and teach your child to do the same. Each of those things can help keep teeth clean when on the go, removing possible excuses. Preparation is important in other ways, too. As children get older and begin to play sports, keep the safety of their mouths in mind when purchasing gear and equipment. When participating in any contact sport, your child should be wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. Parents always have concerns and questions about their child’s dental health, and our Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry experts have got it covered for you.
Schedule A Pediatric Appointment in Boerne Texas
By starting healthy oral hygiene habits early, you set your child up for a lifetime of success when it comes to their teeth. Daily brushing, a focus on nutrition and frequent check-ups are all part of the equation that equals a healthy mouth.
Schedule an appointment today with Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry to keep your child’s smile bright and beautiful. Call us at (830) 310-6325 to connect with our orthodontics team at Boerne. See how we've helped others achieve healthy smiles—visit our testimonials page for real patient stories.