February isn’t just for finding your valentine. It’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month. The monthlong event is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of dental health in children. It highlights the necessity of the right oral hygiene habits at home and regular care from a pediatric dentist in Greenfield. In honor of the special month, here are a few easy habits you can implement to give your child the foundation they need for lasting oral health.

Invest in a Healthy Smile

The primary teeth are only in place for a few short years; however, they have important roles in your child’s oral health and development before they fall out. The baby teeth allow them to learn how to chew and speak while also serving as placeholders for their permanent teeth. It’s essential both the primary and permanent teeth stay strong and healthy for dental health that lasts.

You can create the foundation your child needs by teaching a few healthy habits at home:

1. Start Early: Even before your child’s first baby tooth erupts, you can begin an oral hygiene routine by wiping down their gums with a soft washcloth twice a day.
2. Brush Twice a Day: As soon as their first baby tooth erupts, use a soft-bristled toothbrush that accommodates the size of their mouth and a fluoride toothpaste to start the habit of brushing their teeth. Be sure to clean all surfaces of their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each session.
3. Schedule a Dental Appointment: Before your child’s first birthday, they should see their dentist for a cleaning and checkup. Commit to a preventive visit every 6 months to maintain their oral health.
4. Limit Sugar Consumption: You can help keep your child’s smile healthy in between appointments by limiting their consumption of sugary foods and drinks to keep tooth decay at bay.
5. Introduce Daily Flossing: Around the age of 6, your child’s teeth will move closer together. As they are replaced by their adult teeth. Now is the time to introduce daily flossing to clean in between each tooth.
6. Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation: Besides the care of their regular dentist, your child should also have an orthodontic consultation around the age of 6.

Create a Healthy Smile that Lasts

Set the example and give your child the foundation they need for a healthy smile. Creating an oral hygiene routine from a young age teaches them the importance of maintaining their dental health. As a result, they are more likely to remain committed to their smile into adulthood. It’s never too early or too late to invest in your child’s smile.

About Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC

Our office strives to create healthy smiles for the young children in our community. We cater to the unique needs of growing children through all stages of their oral development. We focus on prevention to keep their teeth and gums healthy. If it’s time for your child’s next cleaning and checkup, don’t wait. Contact our office today for an appointment.