Teaching Your Toddler about Dental Hygiene
When your little one’s baby teeth are starting to fall out, and their permanent set is making its way to the surface, it’s important to teach them about the importance of oral hygiene. You can help to keep your toddler’s teeth happy and healthy by starting a dental care routine early on.
Schedule Their First Visit
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended that your child’s first dental visit should be 6 months after their first baby tooth erupts or by your child’s first birthday. This is because your dentist wants to show you how to properly care for your baby’s teeth and discuss any foreseen dental issues. However, if your child is already a toddler, scheduling their first visit can have the same positive impact on their dental health.
Make it a Fun Activity
While teaching your child about the importance of keeping their teeth and mouth clean can prove to be a difficult task at an early age, here are some tips to make the process fun!
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Entertain Your Toddler: Opt for playing your mini me’s favorite song or video for them to brush along to rather than using a timer for the 2 minutes.
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Reward Good Behavior: Positive reinforcement will make your child more motivated to keep up healthy behaviors. Whether it’s a high-five or simply saying ‘good job,’ it can give your child incentive to keep up with their brushing.
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Let Them Pick Their Own Toothbrush: Letting your little one pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste can help them feel excited about brushing their teeth.
Orthodontic Care In Denver
When you are in need of a trusted Denver orthodontist who can help you regain confidence in your smile, turn to our team at Speaks Orthodontics. We have a team of orthodontic specialists who can help you achieve the happy and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.