Kids inherit many different traits from their parents, but proper dental care is a necessity children have to learn from direct instruction. If you’re a parent trying to figure out the best way to instill good oral hygiene practices in your child from a young age, the Cincinnati family dentists at Hardin Advanced Dentistry can help supplement your at-home care with professional checkups, cleaning and more.

Though you won’t see them above the gum until roughly six months of age, teeth actually began forming before your child was even born. Before and during the development of baby teeth, you can begin helping your child develop a healthy mouth by gently cleaning teeth and gums with a damp cloth or a toothbrush with soft bristles from birth until 12 months.

You can help your child brush his or her teeth from 12 to 24 months, and most kids can then begin independently brushing their teeth at two years old. From that point on, you can encourage positive dental development by:

  • Helping your child maintain a daily flossing and twice-daily brushing schedule.
  • Serving healthy foods and snacks, being careful to avoid excess sugar or starches.
  • Scheduling annual visits to your family dentist for checkups.

As a father-daughter dentist team, Dr. Gary Hardin and Dr. Tara Hardin know firsthand how important it is for children to learn proper teeth and gum care from their parents. We can help reinforce the positive dental health habits you’re instilling in your child at home with comfortable, friendly appointments for kids as young as one year old.

To learn more about how our Cincinnati family dentists can help you and your loved ones maintain your optimal oral health, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry or call 513-398-4448 today.