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Are you looking for ways to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and free of decay? Knowing what to do and how to ensure your child’s oral health isn’t always easy. Fortunately, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and dentists throughout the United States are emphasizing the importance of good dental hygiene from an early age. To help your child work toward a healthier smile, read on to discover 5 tips you can incorporate to safeguard their pearly whites as they grow older.

Starting Early: The Importance of Oral Hygiene

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and your child’s dentist recommend their first dental visit occur by the time their first tooth erupts or before they reach the age of 1. These early appointments can make a last impression on a child, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the sights, sounds, and smells as well as the dentist and team members they will regularly see.

By introducing your little one to good oral habits at an early age, not only will they be more likely to develop positive habits as they grow older, but you may also notice they do not appear scared or anxious when visiting the dentist’s office.

Children are prone to developing cavities early on, which is why cleaning the gums and brushing the moment their first tooth comes in will help instill good habits they can carry with them into childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

5 Tips to a Decay-Free Smile

No parent wants to learn their child has a cavity. To keep them from forming, here are 5 tips that will help keep decay away:

1. Make sure they are brushing their teeth for a full two minutes. If they are old enough to do it on their own, set a timer or turn on some music and make it a game. And don’t forget to monitor how much toothpaste they are using. Ages 3 and older should use no more than a pea-sized amount.
2. As soon as you see their teeth begin to touch, incorporate flossing into their oral hygiene routine. Don’t be afraid to speak to the dentist to find out the proper technique.
3. Bring them to the grocery store to pick out a new toothbrush when it’s time to get rid of the old one. Brushes should be discarded after 3-4 months of use because of bad bacteria building on the bristles.
4. Keep them eating healthier foods and snacks (i.e., cheese, fruits, vegetables) and avoid as much sugar and starch as possible.
5. Make sure they are seeing a children’s dentist every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning.

Keeping your child’s teeth in optimal shape takes time and effort but both will pay off when you see them sporting a beautiful, healthy smile.

About the Author
Dr. Rina Singh has been helping her patients for nearly 20 years. Graduating from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, she went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. She enjoys treating patients of all ages, including even the youngest members of your family. As a kid-friendly dental office, she and her team strive to make your child’s dental visit a positive and exciting one! To learn more, contact us at (717) 937-8180 or visit our website.