The dental habits that we develop in childhood can stick with us for the rest of our lives. If you want to help ensure a lifetime of good dental health for your child, then it's important to instill good dental habits in them when they are little. At Westmount Dental Centre, a children's dentist in Edmonton, our dentists are happy to offer parents some tips and pointers for helping children develop good dental habits.
How to Care for Your Child's Teeth Just because your child's baby teeth will eventually fall out, it doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to keep them in tip-top shape. Healthy baby teeth will help your child speak clearly and chew their food properly. Poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities and may have a negative impact on how your child's permanent teeth grow in. Before your child's fine motor skills develop, you will have to help them brush and floss. As your child grows a little older and begins to show an interest in doing it themselves, you can let them either start or finish brushing their teeth. A good test to see if your child is ready to brush their own teeth is if they are capable of tying their own shoes. You should still supervise to make sure that they are brushing correctly, and you may still need to floss for them. Make sure that your child understands why they need to clean their teeth and why good oral health is so important. You should also be taking your child to a dentist in Edmonton for teeth cleanings and examinations on regular basis. Cultivating a Positive Attitude Towards Dental Health When teaching your child about dental health, it is important not to make brushing and flossing seem like a chore. Try to have fun with it by brushing your teeth together and by letting your child choose their own toothbrush. Children's toothbrushes come in all sorts of colours and styles, and they often feature beloved cartoon characters from their favourite shows and movies. Be mindful, as well, that you don't accidentally instill a fear of the dentist in your child. For example, you shouldn't try to scare a child into brushing their teeth for the recommended two minutes by telling them they will need to have a scary and painful dental procedure if they don't. If they grow to associate their Edmonton dentist with fear, then your child will come to dread routine checkups and dental work. At Westmount Dental Centre we strive to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for your child. As a family dentist in West Edmonton we provide expert care for the whole family, including the little ones. We'll make sure that your child's teeth are growing in as they should be, that your child understands the importance of good dental habits, and that they are all set up for a lifetime of good dental health. To schedule an appointment with an Edmonton pediatric dentist, just contact Westmount Dental Centre today.