Promoting Good Habits In-office and at Home
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, leading by example is crucial when educating children on oral health. It is recommended that a child should visit a dentist by their third birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in.
At Ambis Dental, we specialize in providing comprehensive dental care for children of all ages. From routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures, our experienced pediatric dentists and friendly staff are dedicated to making sure your child’s dental experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Tips for Healthy Home Habits
Dentists work hard to instill good dental practices in your children, but those routines need to be reinforced at home. Here are some tips to make dental care go a little smoother:
- Make It Fun – The main reason most children skip their oral hygiene routine is they find it boring. Try to incorporate a song or a game so they will look forward to brushing their teeth.
- Floss – Teach your child flossing as well as brushing. Even young children should be flossing their teeth regularly, preferably before bed.
- Healthy Eating – Limit sodas, sugary drinks, and sugary foods that can damage your child’s teeth.
- Ditch the Binky – Try to wean your child from the pacifier by age three at the latest. This goes for thumb-sucking as well. The pressure from a pacifier or thumb can negatively affect the alignment of their teeth and change the way their smile looks.
- Lead by example – If your child sees you brushing and flossing daily, they’ll be more likely to do it themselves.
Pediatric Care Goals
The primary goal of pediatric dentistry is to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong, while also building healthy habits that will last a lifetime. By providing a good foundation for your child’s dental care, we can minimize dental issues well into adulthood.
Additionally, the earlier your child becomes familiar with the dentist’s office, the less likely they will be to experience fear or anxiety during their routine visits. Feeling comfortable with their dentist will encourage them to keep up with their exams and any necessary treatments later on.
Our experienced dentists understand the importance of building trust and a positive relationship with your child. We’ll build a positive relationship with your child early on, creating an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. When children trust their dentists, we can better help them prevent cavities, misaligned teeth, gum disease, and other dental issues. Establishing trust and helping your child feel safe might even have them feeling excited to see us.