Teaching Your Children Proper Dental Habits

Teaching Your Children Proper Dental Habits

Good dental habits begin at home. It’s important to teach your children how to take care of their teeth and gums so that they can avoid tooth decay and tooth loss. Dr. Anthony J. Vitale and his team at Personal Choice Dental, located in Old Bridge, NJ, are family dentists who can help you teach your children proper dental habits.

Healthy Oral Habits Start at Home

Follow these tips to help you teach your children a healthy oral hygiene routine:

  • Brush Teeth Regularly: Encourage your children to brush their teeth twice each day by brushing with them. Show them how to brush properly holding their toothbrush at a slight angle to their teeth and gums. Make sure they brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of their teeth.
     
  • Flossing: Help children floss between their teeth to remove food particles and prevent plaque build-up. Your children should be able to floss by themselves by the age of 8 years. Teach your children how to hold the floss correctly. If it is difficult for them, you may find it easier to teach them how to use a water flosser.
  • Use Mouthwash: Children over the age of six should use mouthwash under your supervision. Mouthwash improves the effects of brushing and flossing and it can also benefit children who haven’t quite mastered brushing properly yet.
  • Make Visits to the Family Dentist: You should take your children to the dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing. After that, you should make regular visits to our Old Bridge office every six months.

As well as setting a good example for your children, you can also encourage proper dental habits by letting your children choose their own toothbrush, reading books/watching videos about oral care, and rewarding them for good habits.

If you live in or around Old Bridge and you’re looking for a family dentist, call Dr. Vitale at (732) 727-1211.

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