Brushing and flossing should be a daily habit for your child

We do a lot of things without thinking about it – habits that we’ve established over time. Some habits help us live more efficiently; others, on the other hand, hold us back or even injure us. Many of our behaviors, both good and harmful, are formed during our childhood.

That is why it is critical that you assist your children in developing excellent habits. The idea is for children to “own” these habits as adults, and for their lives to be healthier and happier as a result.

Dental care is one example of a habit-forming emphasis. It’s critical that your children learn to care for their teeth and gums. The most vital is a daily brushing and flossing practice.

Brushing and flossing serve a single purpose: to eliminate bacterial plaque, which is a thin coating of food particles that forms on tooth surfaces. Plaque bacteria are the primary cause of two potentially fatal diseases: tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease). Allowing plaque to accumulate for a few days might result in an infection that inflames the gums or softens the enamel, resulting in tooth decay. These disorders, if left untreated, can lead to tooth and bone loss.

Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as semi-annual professional cleanings, can significantly minimize a person’s chance of developing these diseases. It’s essential to start teaching your child about these habits and how important they are as soon as his or her teeth start to erupt in the mouth.

You’ll be performing the habit for them at first: use a smear of toothpaste on the brush for toddlers two and younger. You can expand it to pea size as they get older. You’ll eventually want to assist them with brushing on their own. In this situation, modeling the action – both of you brushing your teeth at the same time — will have the most influence and will help them understand how vital the habit is.

Brushing and flossing will become second nature to them before you realize it, and they’ll start doing it on their own without prompting. It’ll be a habit they’ll continue to follow long after they’ve left your care — and one they’ll hopefully pass down to their own children.

Please call us or schedule a consultation if you would like more information about good dental care for your child.