The road to a lifetime of healthy, happy, smiling beings at a young age—even before all of the teeth have arrived! However, children don’t always have things down pat when it comes to routine oral care; some even skip important habits, not knowing that it puts their teeth at risk of unpleasant issues. Continue reading to learn about three dental habits that your child or teen might not be handling themselves, along with why it’s important for them to stay the course and do things the right way; their smile’s future is at stake!
1. Brushing Twice a Day… Especially at Nighttime
Most people have an easier time remembering to brush their teeth in the morning, compared to at night after a long day—and children are no different. There’s a chance that if you don’t actively remind them or encourage them to brush at night, they simply won’t. However, even if this only happens once in a while, it still drastically increases the risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure your child isn’t snacking late at night or staying up watching television in favor of tending to their smile; just a couple of minutes each evening (and morning) can make all the difference in the world.
2. Flossing Every Single Day, No Exceptions
Flossing goes hand-in-hand with brushing, but sadly, many children (and adults) tend to skip this step entirely when tending to their smiles, thinking that their toothbrush can get the job done on its own! However, the truth is that toothbrushes aren’t designed to thoroughly clean those tight spaces between the teeth, but a good flossing session before bed will dislodge most tiny particles that can cause damage and contribute to decay. Children don’t always have an easy time manipulating dental floss, so if your child needs to up their flossing game, consider dental floss sticks or even a Waterpik.
3. Attending Dental Checkups At Least Twice a Year
Many of us who have settled into our adult routines don’t have much trouble scheduling appointments and attending them—and dental offices these days certainly help patients stay on top of their routine care. Children have a little less agency when it comes to these visits, and you’ll have to help keep them on track and ensure that they’re seeing their provider twice a year, no matter their schedule, extracurriculars, or other circumstances. These visits allow their dentist to thoroughly examine their smile for signs of concern, like hidden cavities or gum disease symptoms. It also lets them chart any tooth movement or plan any future treatments. Even if you can get your child to brush and floss consistently, they still need to attend these biannual checkups, no exceptions!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy, our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has served families in Worcester for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including routine preventive care to keep their smiles right on track. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 506-8859.