Would you be surprised to know the most chronic childhood disease– is tooth decay?
It’s true, and it is why developing good oral health habits should start at an early age. If you’re a parent, National Children’s Dental Health Month may be the perfect time to get your kids on a regular brushing and flossing schedule.
Here’s a few helpful tips, depending on your child’s age:
First tooth to 2-years-old
Brush with a child-sized toothbrush for two-minutes, twice a day. Schedule the first visit to a dentist by your child’s first birthday, and then every 6-months after it.
3 to 4-years-old
Encourage your child to brush their own teeth, but supervise, or brush yours at the same time. It may also be a good time to get rid of the bottle or sippy cup to develop other healthy habits.
5 to 7-years-old
Your child will get their permanent molars, and you’ll want to start brushing with a flouridated toothpaste. Also consider a toothbrush for a combination of brushing molars, baby teeth, and areas where teeth are missing. Help your child learn to floss.
8-years-old +
Keep supporting your child’s good brushing habits, and encourage them to floss daily on their own. Remind them to eat right, and drink plenty of water.
The American Dental Association is using “Defeat Monster Mouth” as it’s slogan during this February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. You can find printable posters to help you demonstrate effective ways to defeat monster mouth, while maintaining good oral health through brushing, flossing, and eating healthy foods.
Helping your child develop good oral care habits now, can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
