Building Strong Oral Health Habits in Children
As a pediatric dentist in Chino, CA, I see firsthand how proper oral care from an early age can set children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are my top 5 tips for maintaining excellent oral health in children.
1. Start Early with Proper Brushing Technique
Good oral hygiene should begin even before your child's first tooth appears. Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. Once teeth emerge, use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants.
Age-Appropriate Brushing Guidelines
- Ages 0-2: Use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Ages 3-6: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Ages 6+: Children can begin brushing independently with supervision
Teach your child to brush for two minutes, twice daily. Make it fun with songs, timers, or electric toothbrushes with built-in timers.
2. Don't Forget About Flossing
Once your child has two teeth that touch, it's time to start flossing. Many parents in Chino ask me when to begin flossing, and the answer is earlier than most people think!
For young children, use floss picks or water flossers to make the process easier. As they get older, teach them proper flossing technique using traditional dental floss.
3. Maintain a Tooth-Friendly Diet
What your child eats and drinks has a major impact on their oral health. Here's what I recommend to families in our Chino pediatric dental practice:
Foods to Include
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) for calcium and phosphorus
- Leafy greens and vegetables for vitamins and minerals
- Fruits (in moderation) for vitamin C
- Lean proteins for overall health
- Water as the primary beverage
Foods to Limit
- Sugary snacks and candies
- Fruit juices and sodas
- Sticky foods that cling to teeth
- Frequent snacking throughout the day
4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. After that, regular checkups every six months help prevent problems and catch issues early.
During these visits at our Chino office, we:
- Clean your child's teeth professionally
- Apply fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth
- Check for cavities and other issues
- Monitor jaw and bite development
- Provide education on proper oral care
5. Protect Teeth During Sports and Activities
If your child participates in contact sports or activities with a risk of mouth injury, a custom mouthguard is essential. At our Chino dental office, we can create a perfectly fitted mouthguard that provides superior protection compared to over-the-counter options.
Additional Protection Tips
- Avoid using teeth as tools (opening packages, etc.)
- Break habits like thumb sucking or nail biting
- Encourage helmet use during biking and skating
Creating Positive Oral Health Habits
The key to successful pediatric oral care is making it routine and enjoyable. Create a fun bedtime routine that includes brushing and flossing. Consider reward charts for younger children who consistently follow their oral care routine.
When to Call Your Chino Pediatric Dentist
Contact our office immediately if your child experiences:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling in the face or mouth
- A knocked-out or cracked tooth
- Persistent bad breath
- White spots on teeth (early signs of decay)
Remember, establishing good oral health habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you have questions about your child's oral health or would like to schedule a consultation, don't hesitate to contact our Chino pediatric dental office.