How to Set Your Kid Up for Oral Hygiene Success

Your oral hygiene dictates your oral health. Hygienic practices are essential for preventing oral health issues, including cavities and gum disease. 

To reduce your child’s risk of experiencing toothaches and tooth loss, pediatric dentistry and home oral hygiene practices should top your list of priorities from the time their first tooth emerges. 

Our expert team at Hendricks Dental Specialists is here to teach you about the best practices for children’s oral health and hygiene.  

At our office in Brentwood, Tennessee, our team specializes in children's dental care, including pediatric dental exams, teeth cleanings, sealants, and fillings. We also provide specialty services for special needs children to help them feel at ease during dental appointments. 

Setting your child up for great oral health starts with preventive dental care and consistent hygienic habits at home. This article teaches you how to set your kid up for oral hygiene success. 

Establishing habits at home

One of the best steps you can take to maintain your kid’s oral health is to establish a morning and nighttime oral hygiene routine. As soon as your child’s teeth erupt, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to clean their teeth and gums twice daily. 

Add a dab of fluoride toothpaste to the brush once your child is old enough to spit out toothpaste. Teach your child proper brushing techniques, including circular brush strokes across the entire upper and lower arch and on the tongue. 

Be sure your child brushes for about two minutes, and replace their toothbrush once every six months. 

Flossing is also an important part of an oral hygiene routine at home. While brushing should happen twice daily, also make sure your child flosses once daily. Floss can be challenging for kids to handle as they develop dexterity and fine motor movements, but floss picks can simplify the act.

Prioritizing professional dental care

Professional dental services from a pediatric dentist can ensure your child gets the proper preventive care. Although home oral hygiene practices go a long way in preventing dental complications in kids, dental cleanings and other preventive services are equally essential for excellent oral hygiene. 

Research shows that one in four children in the United States goes without preventive dental care. Similarly, one in four children in the US has oral health that isn’t in great shape. By the time your child turns one or within six months of getting their first tooth, schedule their first dental visit. 

Our team provides your child with essential preventive services to keep their teeth clean, including:

Pediatric teeth cleanings

Detailed teeth cleanings remove bacterial buildup called plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth. 

Plaque and tartar can persist even with excellent brushing and flossing, so your child needs a professional cleaning every six months to remove the buildup and avoid complications. 

Dental sealants

Our dentists recommend sealants to protect kids’ molars from cavities. The molars have deep grooves that harbor bacteria, which leads to cavities and decay. Our team applies sealants to fill these grooves and improve oral hygiene. 

Fluoride treatments

Our team's fluoride varnish protects your child’s teeth from cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. Your child can get fluoride varnish at our office to prevent or slow tooth decay. 

Schedule your child’s next visit today

Our pediatric dentists are ready to answer your questions about kids’ oral hygiene. We also teach your child proper brushing and flossing techniques and provide regular preventive care. 

Call Hendricks Dental Specialists or schedule your child’s next pediatric dental visit online to set your kid up for oral hygiene success.