Kids become responsible for more and more tasks as they age, but the early care they receive from their parents can have long-lasting value. While young children will reach an age where they can brush and floss their teeth on their own, your guidance can benefit their oral health after they become responsible for these tasks. After all, parents are there to model good habits, and encourage kids to be thorough when cleaning their teeth. While our Upton, MA dentist’s office is able to help with education and guidance during pediatric dental checkups, it is hard to overstate the importance of support from parents when it comes to kids learning how to care for their teeth.
Kids Can Benefit From Guidance – Even After They Start Brushing On Their Own
Once a child is old enough to confidently and comfortably brush and floss their own teeth, you can hand this responsibility off to them. While they may be the one physically cleaning their smile at this point, they can still benefit from your help. You may want to schedule times to brush and floss together so that you can watch them, and to model your own good habits. When kids become comfortable with what brushing and flossing truly involves, they can be better equipped to prevent dental problems when you are not there to offer encouragement.
Are You Modeling The Right Oral Hygiene Habits?
If you are going to show your kids how to brush and floss, you may want to make sure your own routine is as effective as it could be. During your own routine dental checkups, you can ask for guidance, or discuss ways to make improvements. When these shortcomings are identified, you can make changes that help you give your kids the right lessons so that they can avoid issues with tooth decay and gum disease.
The Right Meals And Snacks Can Protect Everyone’s Smiles
Everyone in your household can benefit from a good oral hygiene routine, but remember that this is only one aspect of oral care, albeit an important one. To further protect your kids, take care to provide healthy meals and snacks. Cutting back on soft drinks and desserts can help with this. Generally speaking, a healthy smile can benefit from varied, nutrient-rich items that can also be good for your overall health.
Our Upton, MA Dentist’s Office Has Experience Helping Parents And Kids With Oral Care
Your Upton, MA dentist’s office has experience working with parents as well as kids in our community to provide lasting smile care. In addition to offering routine preventive care, we can offer guidance on good habits at home that help everyone in your household avoid problems! To find out more, please call Dr. Goguen’s dental practice at 508-529-4591.