Dental Hygiene Habits

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

Good dental hygiene habits established during early childhood will be maintained throughout a child’s life and can prevent many dental problems. Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro can teach you and your child the proper way to brush, floss and take care of teeth.

Brushing and flossing the right way

Children and adults should brush their teeth after each meal, but frequency isn’t the only concern. Children should learn not only the importance of brushing and flossing, but the right way to do it.

Brushing too hard or with a toothbrush that is too stiff can actually damage teeth.

When to start

You should start taking your child to see the pediatric dentist at 12 months to teach good dental hygiene. Gently wiping your baby’s gums after each feeding will remove bacteria and get your baby used to the sensation so that brushing will be easier as teeth come in. As your baby’s teeth start coming in you should start brushing them with an infant toothbrush. This is a very soft brush.

Start teaching your child to brush as soon as he or she is comfortable handling the toothbrush, also. You will need to brush your child’s teeth yourself, too, until your child can brush effectively on his own.

Do not let your young child swallow toothpaste. If you can prevent swallowing, wait to use toothpaste until your child is old enough to understand. Until then, keep brushing with just the damp toothbrush.

Make it fun

Make dental hygiene a positive experience for your child. If your child dreads brushing and flossing, he or she will not develop good dental hygiene habits. They may skip brushing or simply rush through it, not really getting their teeth clean. Bad associations with dental hygiene in childhood can create bad habits that last well into adulthood, and that aren’t corrected until it is too late to prevent decay and dental damage.

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, serves Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and other East Valley Cities in Arizona. You can learn more about dental hygiene habits by reading our pediatric dentistry questions, viewing our patient gallery, and testimonials. To schedule a consultation about dental hygiene habits or pediatric dentistry questions call or email our cosmetic dentist today.