Once your child is ready to brush and floss their teeth without help, you can step away and let them take on this task for themselves. Of course, even if you are not directly involved with cleaning their teeth, you can still offer important support by giving them guidance and checking in on their efforts. Doing so can ensure they do not develop poor habits and instead enjoy real protection against tooth decay and other threats. Your St. Louis, MO dentist can also help them. During pediatric dental appointments, Dr. Johnson-G’Sell can provide instructions on smile care as well as in-office services that help our youngest patients grow up with healthy teeth and lovely smiles!
Kids Need Guidance When It Comes To Smile Care
At first, parents are directly involved in cleaning their kids’ teeth. It is important that you take your time and be patient in this role. If you let them start brushing and flossing for themselves too soon, they can have difficulty doing a good job and protecting themselves from problems that require restorative dental work. When they are ready, you can still oversee their efforts to make sure they are doing a good job. Modeling good behaviors is helpful, and so is the occasional check-in to confirm they are being thorough.
Make Sure You Provide Guidance And Model Good Habits
Before they start brushing for themselves, have your kids try on their own with supervision. If they are not quite ready to clean their teeth effectively, they can have difficulty reaching their back teeth. You should also make sure that they have the right brush. If theirs is more difficult to handle, or if the brush’s head is too large, it can be hard for them to do a good job. Remember that kids pay attention to what you do; be mindful of this as you brush and floss, so you can show the right approach to smile care. If you want to make sure you are demonstrating the best practices, you can check in with Dr. Johnson-G’Sell to review your efforts during your next oral health exam.
What Dental Visits Do To Help Kids Learn To Care For Their Teeth
Pediatric dental appointments are an opportunity to teach kids good hygiene and provide regular reviews of their teeth, gums, and oral structures. Our practice can offer support to our youngest patients, and we can continue to help them maintain healthy smiles over the years. Beyond offering instructions of good hygiene efforts, good experiences at early appointments help kids feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair, which can make them more likely to book appointments as adults.
Talk To Your St. Louis, MO Dentist About Maintaining Your Kid’s Oral Hygiene!
If you want your kids to grow up with confident, healthy smiles, make sure you give them good guidance as they start to take on brushing and flossing for themselves. If you have questions or would like to book an appointment, please call Magnolia Family Dental in St. Louis, MO today at 314-822-4521.
