Kids take on important responsibilities as they grow up, particularly when it involves practicing self-care. Once they are old enough, you can trust them to protect their teeth by brushing and flossing them on their own. Of course, even as they take on new responsibilities for themselves, they can look to their parents for guidance. Providing the right encouragement as they practice these habits is one way to help them develop good behaviors that can last. Your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is also able to help kids learn to care for their teeth during pediatric dental appointments.
Make Sure Your Child Is Ready To Brush And Floss Effectively
You should not feel pressure to rush into having your child start brushing and flossing on their own. Kids may not have the coordination necessary to do these tasks well until they are six or seven years old. To determine if the time might be right to pass the task onto them, you can talk with your dentist. Their ability to legibly write their name can be a sign that they are ready for this responsibility. If you are not sure, talk to them about it and see how comfortable they feel.
Show Off Your Own Routine To Help Them Learn
Your own efforts to prevent dental problems can do more than just protect your teeth from harm. You can model these behaviors for your kids to help them learn what smart oral health practices look like. Brushing and flossing together as they start to learn to do these tasks on their own can be important. You can directly model what you do to clean your smile, and you can gently correct mistakes they might be making.
More Tips To Help You Keep Your Child Safe Against Cavities
You can make brushing feel more fun for your child by letting them pick out the brush they want to use. This can make them feel in control, and it can give them something they like to associate with preventive care. To further keep them out of cavity trouble, make sure you check on their diet as well as their oral health habits. Many children have a harder time preventing cavities because they have a harder time saying no to candies and other sugary items.
Our Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office Has Helped Patients Of All Ages With Smile Care!
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients of all ages have benefited from consistent preventive dental care. With the right professional care, combined with good habits at home, you and your family members can stay safe against smile threats. If you would like to learn more about our practice, and services that can help you, call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.
