The beginning of a new school year is an excellent time to establish new routines for children. That means it’s the perfect time to work on new routines for oral health.
- Brushing – minimally, children should brush in the morning and at night. If possible, brushing at least one additional time, after a meal, during the day is optimal. Keep in mind that children under the age of eight are generally not able to get their teeth clean without assistance. A team approach often works best: allow your child to brush, and then it’s your turn to help out. Over time, your child will get a better sense of what is required and will perfect his or her brushing technique. Make sure your child understands that teeth have multiple surfaces and that all of these surfaces require thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, many children – and even adults – make the mistake of cleaning only the front surface of the teeth. If you would like us to review proper brushing techniques with your child, please let us know.
- Flossing – although many people don’t realize it, flossing is as important as brushing. You’ll have to help your child with this until he or she is old enough to do it proficiently. It may be helpful to demonstrate on yourself so your child can learn how to do it properly. Again, if you would like us to review proper techniques, please let us know; we’d be happy to go over it.
- Visits to the dentist – just as you take your child to the doctor for an annual physical and immunizations, you should bring him or her to our office for check-ups, generally every six months. This provides us with a valuable opportunity to monitor oral health, clean the teeth, and make sure everything is progressing as it should.
- Healthy diet – even children who brush, floss, and have regular cleanings will have dental problems if the diet is not healthy. In addition to limiting sweets and junk food, make sure your child eats a healthy, balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. If you have any questions in this regard, please let us know.
Please keep in mind that children notice everything. This provides you with a valuable opportunity: you can be the best example for your child, especially when it comes to establishing good routines. If your child sees you brushing, flossing, going to the dentist, and maintaining a healthy diet, he or she is more likely to do the same.
Even if you provide an excellent example, your child will probably require some additional assistance with establishing and maintaining good routines. If that’s the case, don’t overlook the power of simple reminders. “Did you brush your teeth yet?” and “Don’t forget to floss,” can work wonders. Supervise closely; this will help your child realize that you are serious about the routine, but it also provides a way to make sure your child has completed the task. Some parents use reward systems to provide children with incentives to stick with important routines. If that works for you, go for it. Over time, you will figure out what works for you and your family.
Remember: good oral hygiene routines now lead to healthy teeth later. Congratulations on giving your child a solid foundation of oral health!
Also, as you prepare for the new school year, if you need assistance completing the New York State Dental Health Certificate, please contact us.