Dental Health Tips for Kids
Kids learn the importance of a great smile at an early age, saying “cheese” for countless photographs and status updates. For Ohio parents searching for a Cincinnati family dentist, Dr. Gary Hardin and Dr. Tara Hardin have the expertise needed to deliver confidence and comfort to growing smiles.
The benefits of a healthy smile include more than just a beaming grin. Oral health prevents needless pain, saves money, and is critical to a child’s general health.
Here are some tips to help your child begin a lifetime of dental wellbeing:
Start oral hygiene immediately: Effective family dentistry starts at home. When your child’s first tooth appears, gently clean it every day with a clean, damp cloth. As more teeth surface, move to a small, soft toothbrush. Reduce pacifier use and thumb sucking as quickly as possible.
Teach good habits: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Oral Health, roughly 20% of children aged five to eleven have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Avoid dental fillings and gum disease by starting good habits early. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until he or she is able to handle the toothbrush alone, and monitor the work once you’ve handed over the brush. Don’t give food or drinks after evening brushing until the next morning. Avoid sugar.
Schedule dental appointments: It may be shocking, but almost half of children aged two to five have never even been to the dentist. At Hardin Advanced Dentistry, we proudly serve one-year-olds, adolescents, adults and seniors with special attention to the unique needs of each age group and patient.
Instill Trust in Dentists: Between 9% and 20% of Americans eschew the dentist due to some fear or anxiety. In more severe cases, known as dental phobia, people are panic-stricken at the thought of a dental visit. It is important to let children know at a young age that dentists are important care givers. Don’t share your own negative dental experiences or fears with your child. Limit procedural descriptions and avoid using words like “hurt” or “painful”.
Childproof your home The International Association of Dental Traumatology reports that one out of every four school children experiences some sort of dental trauma, often resulting from falling or sporting activities. Teach your child to be aware of obstacles, always wear appropriate sporting safety gear, use the stairs when exiting a swimming pool and never push when playing.
If you are looking for a Cincinnati family dentist, Dr. Gary Hardin and Dr. Tara Hardin offer the compassion and skill needed for every stage of oral development and maintenance. Please contact us by completing the form on this page, or by calling (513) 234-5531 today to schedule an appointment. Our family dentists help patients from Mason and Dayton, Ohio, as well as Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.
