Good dental hygiene habits and good oral health can offer lifelong benefits, which is why it’s so important to give kids the best start when it comes to taking care of their smile. In order to help you and your child put your best foot forward, we’ve put together this guide which covers the elements you’ll need to consider most.
Building Good Daily Habits and Routines
Effective and regular brushing is the cornerstone of all good oral hygiene routines. You should offer your child as much help as they need with this, but encourage them to become independent as they are able to do so. This will help to build a habit that will give them lifelong benefits.
You should also introduce flossing and the use of mouthwash as your child reaches the appropriate age. If flossing feels difficult or unpleasant, interdental brushes may offer an easier and more comfortable alternative. This dental health routine should be performed at least twice per day, once early in the morning and once before bed.
Regular Checkups and Choosing the Right Dentist
Having regular checkups with a dentist is important as it allows them to identify any issues early while they’re still easy to treat. It also allows them to identify any areas in which your child’s brushing or oral hygiene may be lacking and provide the appropriate advice to remedy this.
While your child is still young, it’s recommended that you choose a dentist who is experienced in treating children and young people. Not only will they be more prepared to recognize and respond to common issues, but they’ll also be more able to put your child at ease.
This is incredibly important, as it can prevent negative associations that result in fear and anxiety around future appointments, something which is an all-too-common problem.
Orthodontic Treatments
Your child’s dentist will also be able to determine whether they have any conditions that could benefit from orthodontic interventions such as braces or clear aligners. If this is the case, they will be able to explain the options to you and, if it’s age-appropriate, your child.
In cases where treatment is considered necessary or beneficial, it’s usually most effective when delivered early. As we age, our teeth become less responsive to orthodontic treatments, meaning that they will take longer and may not deliver the same level of results. For this reason, childhood or adolescence is often the perfect time for these treatments to take place.
It’s important to note that orthodontic treatments don’t just offer cosmetic improvements, but can also improve chewing function, make it easier to keep the mouth clean, and prevent more serious issues from developing years in the future. Not every child will need treatments like this, but for those who do, it can be a key part of ensuring that they’re on the right track for a healthy life.
Making The First Appointment
As your dentist in Chestermere, the team at Chestermere Smiles Dental is proud to support the health of our local community. If you’re looking for the perfect dentist to take care of you and your family, contact us today to find out more about how we can help you for years to come.
