Dentist in Chesterland, OH, provides tips to keep your family’s dental health in great condition

Patients of Chesterland Family Dental Care know that the team has the best interests of the entire family at heart. With a full suite of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental solutions, the Chesterland, OH, dental practice is a one-stop-shop for the dental care needs of everyone in your family. While most patients understand adult oral health care needs, parents are often unsure how to best care for their children. The Doctors at Chesterland Family Dental Care help parents understand how to keep their children’s mouth happy and healthy.

Dental care tips for our littlest patients

Most parents understand that proper dental care is important, but many don’t realize that good oral health habits can begin before their baby erupts their first tooth. The Chesterland Family Dental Care team provides the following tips:

• Keep the mouth clean: Even as a baby, you can keep your child’s mouth and gums well and clean by wiping them with a damp cloth after feeding. Once your baby’s first tooth erupts, you can brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. As your baby’s mouth fills up with teeth, be sure to make morning and nighttime brushing consistent.
• Establish good habits: Healthy dental care habits start young. Some ways to make brushing more fun for your child are to let them pick out the toothbrush and use a toothpaste they like. Often finding a toothbrush decorated in their favorite character or color keeps your child’s interest. You can also make sure to model good behavior by letting your child watch you brush and floss your own teeth each day.
• Ensure proper brushing: At a certain point, your child will likely want to brush their teeth all by themselves. While it is good to let them practice, be sure that you finish the job with a thorough brushing. Little hands can’t always reach the back teeth, and kids often get bored before they have properly brushed all of their teeth. As they get older, be sure to supervise and make sure that flossing is part of their daily routine.
• See the dentist: In addition to brushing and flossing, it is important to maintain a regular checkup schedule with your family dentist. These regular dental appointments are important for many reasons. First, it allows the dentist to develop a relationship with your child. Second, your child will receive a professional cleaning. Even with the best at-home brushing, there are areas of the mouth that can’t be reached without professional equipment. These cleanings make sure that your child’s teeth are free from tartar. Finally, routine visits to the dentist are a great way to ensure that your at-home dental routine is effective. Make sure to schedule and keep twice-annual appointments for your child. If you find that your child is anxious about dentist appointments, consider allowing them to watch one of your own dental cleanings to ease anxiety.

Good oral health care habits start young and can last a lifetime. The Chesterland Family Dental Care team is here to help. Call (440) 491-4001 today to schedule an appointment. 

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