Oral Hygiene Is Important At Every Age

Children and teens need an oral hygiene routine, just like adults, to ensure good oral health as they mature and for the rest of their lives. Making oral hygiene a priority for kids from an early age teaches them the importance of healthy teeth and a healthy mouth. They are also far likelier to continue these habits when they strike out on their own and teach their children about the importance of oral health.

Toddlers and Children
Young children thrive when they are healthy, and oral hygiene plays a big part in their overall well-being. We recommend encouraging toddlers and younger children to brush their teeth every morning and before bedtime, always under supervision, to prevent tooth decay. Since they are just learning, they will need help reaching all of their teeth. With positive reinforcement, they will become better and better at it until they can reliably brush their teeth on their own.

Children learn by example. When young kids see their parents and older siblings taking care of their teeth, they naturally want to mimic them. Routine is very important as children grow older and more independent. If children learn from a young age that taking care of their teeth is just another part of their daily routine, they are more likely to make it a habit for life.

Tweens and Teens
Older children are likelier to push the boundaries at home and may want to skip brushing and flossing sometimes. Adolescence is a critical time to reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene. We highly discourage allowing older children and teens to brush and floss only when they feel like it. Cavities and other oral health problems are extremely common at this stage of development. Regular oral hygiene at home is essential for prevention, especially with braces or other orthodontic hardware in the mix.

Visiting the Dentist
Taking children and teens to the dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and examinations sets them up for greater success as adults. These visits are important for prevention and maintenance, and they teach kids that the dentist is an ally who helps them stay healthy. A complete, at-home oral hygiene routine plus regular dental exams and cleanings establishes great habits that will endure for life.

At Drs. Brown, Gettings, and Gade, we care about families and gladly see children aged 6 or older. We are also happy to help parents and guardians teach their children good daily brushing and flossing habits. Please contact our office located in West Chester, OH to schedule appointments for your family to keep everyone’s teeth looking and feeling great.