Your smile is the first feature that people will notice about you—and the same goes for your little one’s smile! This means that you should make every possible effort to ensure that your child’s teeth are as healthy and bright as possible. But this isn’t always easy, especially since children’s oral health usually relies just as much on them as it does on their parents. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to help them out, especially if you know which oral hygiene products can play a key role. Here’s more from your dentist about why children’s oral health is important from a young age, along with some helpful oral hygiene products that will make things easier.
The Importance of Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy
Pediatric oral health is important from a young age; by establishing excellent oral health and honing smart hygiene habits early on in life, your child’s smile will be set up for long-lasting health and beauty. Even though their mouths are filled with baby teeth for the first part of life, children are still quite susceptible to all kinds of oral health issues that aren’t just limited to adults, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Supporting your child’s dental health will also help familiarize them with the dentist’s office, which is a place they’ll be visiting at least biannually throughout the rest of their lives. If oral hygiene is neglected early on, needless to say, it stacks the deck against your kid as they grow older and they will likely encounter more frequent dental issues.
Helpful Oral Hygiene Products for Younger Smiles
Several different kinds of oral hygiene products are both widely accessible and also proven to assist children with maintaining their oral health. Here are a few ideas:
- Power toothbrushes – Electric toothbrushes are suitable for patients of all ages, and they’ve been proven time after time to be more effective than manual brushes when it comes to removing plaque. Needless to say, your child won’t mind the convenience!
- Water flossers – Another option that both kids and adults can utilize is a water flosser. These use a pressurized stream of water to gently remove plaque and are often easier to use than traditional dental floss or even floss picks.
- GumChucks – If dental floss doesn’t suit your child, you might look into something that’ll make the habit not only easier but also more exciting. GumChucks are essentially miniature nun chucks that are fun to use and can also teach kids the importance of flossing regularly.
- BrushyBall – If your kid needs a little extra guidance throughout the brushing process, a follow-the-leader game like BrushyBall can help! This small device can provide audible instructions that’ll teach your youngster how to keep their teeth clean on their own.
- Xylitol for kids – Xylitol is a sweetener that helps to prevent cavities. It can be found in various types of sugar-free gums, mints, and candies—all of which your child will love!
Your child’s smile is a source of pride and joy for both of you! By knowing how to help them care for their teeth and by providing them with the means to do so, you’re setting them up for a lifetime filled with plenty of smiling!
About the Practice
Collinsville Dental Associates is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Collinsville, VA area. The practice is fortunate to house five incredible specialists: Dr. Christopher A. Payne, Dr. Joshua W. Irby, Dr. Albert L. Payne, Dr. Andrew J. Hessler, and Dr. Steven T. Bunn. Their practice offers a wide range of services, including children’s dentistry. To request additional information or to schedule a visit, you can contact the practice online or by phone at (276) 647-1494.