What your family dentist in Lansing, Michigan wants you to know

If you have a child, it’s never too early to start teaching good oral hygiene habits. When you stress the importance of brushing and flossing, it can help to ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Dr. Holly A. Scott-Hetchler in Lansing, MI wants to help ensure the dental health of your child.

The goal of good oral hygiene is to prevent tooth decay and gum problems by removing dental plaque thoroughly and frequently. Plaque contains millions of harmful bacteria, which produce acids and toxins. Acids are formed when bacteria comes in contact with sugars in the foods your child eats. These acids can cause tooth decay. Toxins are a natural by-product of the bacteria. The toxins can cause inflammation, bleeding and gum disease.

Fortunately, good oral hygiene habits are easy. You can teach your child by following these simple steps:

• Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush and tell your child not to swallow the toothpaste. Both of you face a mirror, with you standing behind your child. Have your child observe you using a gentle circular motion to clean each tooth and along the gumline. Make sure your child demonstrates the correct technique back to you.
  • Hint: sonic or electric toothbrushes are helpful and easy for your child to master. Toothbrushes in kid-friendly designs make it more fun for your child to brush.
• When your child is about four years old, you can demonstrate flossing. Have your child observe you flossing your teeth and then have your child demonstrate the technique back to you. Your child should be able to floss independently by the age of eight.
  • Hint: it’s often easier to begin with floss picks in kid-friendly shapes to make flossing easier and more fun for your child.

Children are never too young to experience tooth decay. In fact, your child is at risk as soon as the first tooth erupts. That’s why it’s so important to start early teaching your child good oral hygiene habits. For more information on dentistry for children, call Dr. Holly A. Scott-Hetchler in Lansing, MI. Call today!