Why Should I Teach My Child to Brush and Floss? Reasons to teach your child about taking care of their teeth.
You may have many questions about teaching your young child to brush and floss. Just how important is it? When should you start? Should you just let the dentist or dental hygienist do it? Drs. Natalie and Chad Corley of Corley Family Dental in Decatur, IL want to .png)
show you the simple answers. But more so, they want to partner with you in the care of your child’s teeth and health, because your child listens to you more than they would a family dentist. They trust you to do what’s right for them.
When You Should Start
The importance of taking care of one's teeth should be instilled at an early age. Decay can happen the minute teeth erupt, so bring your child in to visit the dentist before they are one year old. A good guideline is to bring your child in within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth.
Good oral hygiene can prevent decay and eventual gum disease. These problems are more common in adulthood, but your child can live a live a healthier life by building on what they learn at an early age. With the help of your Decatur family dentist, teach your child the value of hygiene and healthy habits. Ideally, you should begin teaching your child how to floss at age 4, and they should be flossing by themselves at age 8. And as your child is growing, you can also teach them to:
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Brush, gently in a circular motion, the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and chewing surfaces of teeth, and also at a slight angle along the gumline.
- Brush the tongue.
When you visit Drs. Natalie and Chad Corley of Corley Family Dental in Decatur, IL, they will help you teach your child what they need to know about taking care of their teeth. Don’t wait! Start early and get your child on the road to dental success. Call and schedule your child’s first appointment today!