If you are a parent or a soon-to-be parent, you need to listen up. Oral health is imperative to your overall health and wellness. It is proven that, if you have oral health issues, your chances of developing other health problems is greater. While this is true for you, it is also true for your children. Your children’s dental health is a responsibility that you should not take lightly.
Your child’s oral health starts with their everyday oral hygiene habits. As a parent, it is important to make sure that your children are brushing twice per day, brushing properly, flossing their teeth, and using mouthwash. One reason that it is important for your children to develop good oral hygiene habits, is because those habits will stick with them for a lifetime.
Unfortunately, on the opposite end of the spectrum, if your child develops poor dental hygiene habits, this could lead to many problems. Initially, your child will develop a ton of cavities and develop a poor relationship with the dentist, as they will have to undergo more invasive procedures than just routine cleanings. Later in life, due to issues that began as a child, you child will develop gum disease, experience tooth loss, and other oral health issues.
When does your child need to start brushing and flossing?
When your child starts teething, you should start brushing their teeth. The longer you wait to start brushing their teeth, the more their oral health starts to suffer. Additionally, as soon as two or more of your child’s teeth are touching, you should begin flossing between the teeth that meet.
When should your child start visiting the dentist?
As a rule of thumb, your child should visit the dentist no later than 6-months after their first tooth comes in. Most places recommend making your child’s first dental appointment no later than their first birthday. It is important for your child to visit the dentist at a young age to get comfortable with the dentist, and what happens at the dentist’s office. If you wait to take your child to the dentist until after a dental problem develops, they will have a negative experience with the dentist and not want to go back.
Make sure you stay tuned for our next blog post, where we will offer some tips to get your child to brush better!
Is your child in need of a dentist in the Olney, MD area?
If you are looking for a good dentist to bring your child to in the Olney area, we welcome you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.