As a parent, you have the opportunity to instill healthy habits in your kids that will serve them for the rest of their lives — especially when it comes to their teeth. Believe it or not, even before your little ones have teeth showing, you can start practicing good oral hygiene. By beginning these habits early, your child can end up with a lower risk for tooth decay and a better jumpstart on overall oral health. Encouraging children to follow proper oral health habits is vital — not only because it reduces the risk of cavities, but also because it has a number of other effects on children’s health. Good dental hygiene at a young age can help prevent orthodontic issues later in childhood, as well as improve self-esteem and confidence. For these and many other reasons, there’s no such thing as “too early” when it comes to teaching kids how to take care of their teeth and gums. Even before they’re able to stand, children need to be shown the way toward good oral hygiene habits. This includes drinking water and milk instead of sugary juices, cleaning their gums with a soft washcloth (even before teeth emerge), and limiting snacks. As kids get older, parents need to encourage their children to make dental health a priority and continue with good habits. This can be made abundantly easier using the information included within the checklist found in the resource supported alongside this post. Be sure to check it out for more information on establishing healthy dental habits for your children.
A Parent’s Checklist For Children’s Oral Health this resource was contributed by Natomas Crossing Dental Care, a premier choice for a Sacramento based dental clinic