Getting Your Child Started on Dental Hygiene and Oral Care

You can help kids develop oral hygiene habits appropriately by starting them off with dental care from birth. If that sounds odd, it means you do the brushing until they can do it themselves.

At Brampton Dental Arts of Brampton, Ontario, Dr. Azeem Sheikh recommends that you practice good dental care from the day of your child’s birth. Each time you feed your baby, use a clean, lint-free cloth to clean off your baby’s gums after their feed. They may not have teeth still, but they learn even as infants, so you teach them dental hygiene when you do this.

As soon as their first baby tooth develops, you should begin brushing their tooth and gums with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush using a child’s toothpaste with fluoride. By their first birthday, they should have their first dentist’s visit.

As soon as they start toddling about the house, you can involve them in their brushing. After each meal or snack, they should brush. You need to help them brush until they get the hang of it, but by the age of three, they should be able to brush on their own. Put a step bench in the bathroom so they can reach the washbasin by themselves. If you have a bathroom with double sinks, you brush your teeth while they brush theirs, so they see how it is done. Kids also learn by example.

Making oral hygiene fun for kids

Make the process fun for them. You might play a fun song while brushing your teeth and flossing. Purchase a children’s toothbrush in a fun shape and colour. That goes for toothpaste, too, but make sure that it contains fluoride.

You can explain why brushing your teeth is so important. Also, discuss what happens if you do not brush. You can train your children to love brushing their teeth, especially by showing them that you take it seriously, too.

Children’s Oral Care in Brampton Ontario

When they’re ready to visit a dentist, call (905) 581-3726 to book an appointment. Brampton Dental Arts have various children’s oral care options available for residents in Brampton, ON, and the surrounding areas. Call Brampton Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Azeem Sheikh.