If you have a young dental patient at home, then you already know how tough it can be to get kids to do the simplest things; unfortunately, this often includes brushing their teeth! We know that it can be difficult to instill healthy habits into our kids, but it is really important for your child’s long-term oral health.
We all know that primary teeth fall out naturally as permanent teeth come in, usually sometime in late childhood or adolescence. However, that doesn’t mean that these temporary teeth don’t matter. There are actually many different reasons our Mill Valley dentists prioritize pediatric dental care.
- When children are able to chew well, they can easily expand their diets and try new foods
- Teeth are important as children learn to speak and enunciate
- Children practice caring for their teeth and gums while they have baby teeth
- Enjoying a healthy smile is tied to positive self-esteem
So what can you do in order to encourage your child to prioritize oral health? Remind them to
- Brush their smiles for two minutes every morning and before bed
- Floss between teeth to remove additional plaque
- Rinse their mouths with water throughout the day
- Stay hydrated so that the body is able to produce adequate saliva
- Brush the tongue to clear away bacteria and freshen breath
As you can see, many of the things that are beneficial for pediatric patients are the same as recommendations for adult patients. This is why it can be so powerfully effective for parents to model good oral hygiene day-to-day.
If you want to learn more about caring for your smile at any stage, our Mill Valley dentists are here to help you. Call our team, or use our Contact Us page to get started.