It can be hard to know when it is right to trust your child with new responsibilities. Even if they are eager to do more on their own, they may need time to mature and develop before certain tasks are manageable. One responsibility kids can take on at a relatively early age is the responsibility to care for their teeth. While you can be eager to see them take on this task (and others) on their own, you need to be sure they are coordinated enough to clean their teeth effectively. They should also understand why this task matters, and take it seriously. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office works with parents and kids. During our pediatric dental exams, we can support your efforts to help your kids learn more about oral care by offering guidance and lessons in addition to providing preventive services.
How Will I Know When My Child Is Ready To Brush And Floss Without My Help?
Children are often ready to brush and floss their own teeth when they are between the ages of six and seven. In addition to making sure a child is ready to be trusted with this responsibility, they should be coordinated enough to thoroughly clean their teeth. Until then, providing encouragement and support can help prepare them when they begin to care for their own smile.
Be Present As They Start To Care For Their Teeth On Their Own
Your kids look at you for guidance in many matters, even tasks that feel relatively simple. When they are close to ready to start cleaning their teeth on their own, you can model your own habits to help them develop a sense of what they should do for their own teeth. If you want to make sure your oral hygiene routine is something worth copying, you can discuss this with Dr. Johnson during a routine dental exam. Helpful tips can help you recognize shortcomings in your routine, and fix them before passing them on to your little ones!
You Still Have An Important Role To Play In Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy
Even if your kids are already brushing and flossing on their own, you still have a responsibility to encourage good habits. Brushing and flossing together can make smile care more fun, and it can give you a non-intrusive approach to checking in on their efforts. Setting good habits at an early age will help your kids commit to a good routine early, which can make them less likely to have problems that require restorative dental treatment later in life.
Our St. Louis, MO Dentist’s Office Helps Parents And Kids With Dental Care
Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office is prepared to help patients of all ages keep up with their dental health needs! We can provide instructions and guidance to kids in addition to offering the kind of routine preventive services that help adults maintain healthy smiles. We can also help you continue to protect yourself against tooth decay and gum disease! If you have questions about our all-ages family dentist’s office, call Magnolia Family Dental at 314-822-4521.
