It's summer vacation and we've been spending lots of time at the pool. Hopefully you also have been able to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and the relaxation that summer brings.
It is easy to let our good habits fall by the wayside during the less structured summer months!
I've seen lots of kids at the office last week. When I asked a particular 14 year old boy about his home care, he said to me nonchalantly, "Yeah, I brush when I remember to." !?! Teenagers!
What can a parent do to maximize good oral health early in childhood? Make sure that taking care of their teeth is important from early childhood because...it is much harder to teach good habits to a teenager!
Parents need to be good role models for their children. It starts with proper dietary habits. I know I'm being repetitive here but...don’t put your child to bed with a bottle or snack, whether it be night time or nap time. When children get older, parents need to monitor and limit starchy, sugary, or sticky snacks. It’s a good idea to brush and rinse after meals and snacks.
Parents need to take good care of their own teeth and encourage a daily dental care routine. They also need to supervise brushing and try to make it more fun. I still sing while brushing my girls and they seem to really enjoy having a few toothbrushes to choose from. We also have an assortment of colored flossers for my kids to select from.
As dentists, we want to ensure your child has a beautiful healthy smile. We recommend that babies be seen around their first birthday. Early visits can help prevent bottle tooth decay or recognize any development problems. Often children who have cavities early in life will have more dental problems as adults.
It is easy to let our good habits fall by the wayside during the less structured summer months!
I've seen lots of kids at the office last week. When I asked a particular 14 year old boy about his home care, he said to me nonchalantly, "Yeah, I brush when I remember to." !?! Teenagers!
What can a parent do to maximize good oral health early in childhood? Make sure that taking care of their teeth is important from early childhood because...it is much harder to teach good habits to a teenager!
Parents need to be good role models for their children. It starts with proper dietary habits. I know I'm being repetitive here but...don’t put your child to bed with a bottle or snack, whether it be night time or nap time. When children get older, parents need to monitor and limit starchy, sugary, or sticky snacks. It’s a good idea to brush and rinse after meals and snacks.
Parents need to take good care of their own teeth and encourage a daily dental care routine. They also need to supervise brushing and try to make it more fun. I still sing while brushing my girls and they seem to really enjoy having a few toothbrushes to choose from. We also have an assortment of colored flossers for my kids to select from.
As dentists, we want to ensure your child has a beautiful healthy smile. We recommend that babies be seen around their first birthday. Early visits can help prevent bottle tooth decay or recognize any development problems. Often children who have cavities early in life will have more dental problems as adults.
1 comment:
Tooth Tissues -- a great idea! Congrats to both of you on this product!
Our little guy is past the point of them -- he's almost two, we're battling him with the toothbrush now -- but whenever we get to #2 we'll definitely have to get these!
Give a big hello to my 'big brother' Jon, it's been so long since we've talked!
Marc Rosenberg
University of Pittsburgh, CAS '96
e: rosey8810@verizon.net
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