Staying healthy can be easy – and that includes oral health- it just takes the right habits and an ability to stick to them. That’s why we recommend starting proper dental hygiene early, so it becomes a lifelong practice. Here are a few tips to get your kids’ dental health on the right track from a young age.

Teach them the right way to brush:

Show them how you brush your teeth, demonstrating how you hold the toothbrush, and the angles needed to reach every surface. Teaching them to be gentler is important, as their young teeth and gums will be more sensitive and require a soft touch.

Flossing daily:

While flossing doesn’t need to be taught right away (it can be difficult for young children), it’s a good idea to get them into the habit whenever they’re old enough to handle it. For a step-by-step guide to flossing, follow these instructions from our blog.

Keep them away from sugar:

Did you know that it can take up to 30 minutes for a child’s saliva to neutralize the acidity from sugar’s bacteria? Try to limit their sugar intake, and help keep cavities at bay.

Regular dental visits:

Not only will regular dental visits help to keep you child’s teeth their healthiest, but at Southeast Dental in Markham, we can also show your kids how to properly care for their teeth. To book their next cleaning, call 905-471-2002 or use our online form. 

Make it fun!

Who says that teeth cleaning has to be a chore? Try letting them pick out a fun new toothbrush, or a flavour of toothpaste they’ll enjoy. And if you make tooth brushing a game, they’ll be more likely to look forward to brushing each day.

For more tips and information on oral health for the whole family, catch up on the Southeast Dental Blog!