If you’re interested in learning more about our pediatric dentistry services, then give us a call today!
For 16 years, we have specialized in pediatric dentistry. Trying to get some children to brush their teeth is quite the struggle, but it needs to happen. Proper dental health should start young. Because children develop their habits very early in life, teaching the importance of teeth brushing and flossing is critical. Are you a Catonsville, MD resident looking for a doctor’s office that your children (and you) will love? Then, that’s us. Read on to learn a few common mistakes that parents make when enforcing dental health habits.
Mistake #1: Not Cleaning a Child’s Mouth Before Teeth Start to Form
Technically, a child shouldn’t go in for their first dental appointment until they’re around three years old. Still, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that you can do to keep a child’s mouth healthy before teeth even start to form. Children are known for drooling and their curiosity. Some children love to put things in their mouths, causing a lot of bacteria to get in there. You can massage your child’s gums with a clean cloth or a tooth thimble. This technique enforces that having a cleanly mouth is vital right away. Also, you can clean a child’s first teeth with gauze or thimbles. We advise that you always put proper dental health at the forefront before a child reaches their terrible two’s. It’s possible that they could put up more of a fight during this stage.
Mistake #2: Allowing Your Child to Not Let You Brush Their Teeth
If a child is particularly fussy, some parents may feel inclined to give in to their whims. With dental health, however, you shouldn’t. Each time a child goes to bed without brushing their teeth (or allowing you to do so), it causes more harm than good. Eventually, most children let up and relinquish control once they realize that this routine is never going to go away. Also, communication helps. Try explaining to your child why dental health matters. Explain it from their perspective. We’re not suggesting that you scare your child, but if they’re very stubborn, you may want to show them a picture of a person who lost a few teeth. That should illustrate the point.
Mistake #3: Not Watching Your Children As They Brush Your Teeth
Monkey see monkey do. Brushing your teeth with your children allows you to make sure that they’re brushing properly. It also makes teeth brushing a fun, bonding experience. The reality is that sometimes children rush or don’t thoroughly finish the tasks that we ask them to complete. Watching them avoids this altogether, at least until you know that they can follow through with teeth brushing alone.
Are you interested in learning about our pediatric dentistry services? Then, give us a call.
Pediatric Dentistry from Catonsville Dental Care
Whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth or have a wisdom tooth extracted Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter,andYouTube.