Good Oral Care Habits Last for Life

Good Oral Care Habits Last for Life

Many recent studies have focused on the important role played by healthy teeth and gums to maintain the body’s overall health. Gum disease is, after all, a form of inflammation, and the body’s so-called inflammatory cascade—the series of bodily processes caused or spurred on by inflammation—has been associated with many illnesses and health conditions.

One of the best ways to prevent gum disease as an adult is to establish healthy habits of good oral care during childhood. The earlier good habits are established—and the more frequently they are enforced—the harder they are to break.

As a parent, one of the best things you can do to promote your child’s dental health is to take the time to help them establish good oral care habits now that will help them stay healthy later. So, what does that entail?

1. Keep your baby’s gums clean using a soft cloth.
2. Once baby teeth emerge, use a soft-bristled brush designed for baby’s mouths to keep teeth clean.
3. Bring your child in to see us early—as early as six months of age. By introducing your child to us and familiarizing your child with the procedures involved in a dental appointment, you can significantly reduce the anxiety many people fear when visiting the dentist. Make dental visits a routine part of your child’s life.
4. Ask us for guidance on healthy snacks, the best way to brush and for guidance on when—and how—to begin flossing teeth. Also ask about the use of supplemental oral health products, such as plaque rinse or mouthwash.
5. Perhaps most importantly, practice what you preach: Demonstrate good oral care habits, including brushing and flossing and regular dental visits, in front of your children.
6. Finally, keep your own anxiety about the dentist to yourself—do not voice your fears in front of your children.

By instilling good oral care habits in your children early in life, you encourage your child to maintain them as he or she grows into an adult. And children trained to keep themselves healthy pass on these good habits to their own children. Make regular visits to KiDDS Dental a part of your child’s routine now.

If you have questions about good oral habits, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.