Introducing your children to a pediatric dentist in Verona, NJ should be a priority as you look to instill proper dental hygiene habits. Children are always very impressionable, so make sure that they understand how much you value dental health is key. There are several different stages of dental hygiene for kids, with each stage requiring a different approach from parents. That’s why it’s important to learn about each stage so that you have the information you need to help your children practice proper dental health care. Keep reading below to learn more about the three stages of dental hygiene for kids and remember that reaching out to the pediatric dentist in Montclair, NJ is a great way to start your kids off on their dental health journey.
Stage 1 – Baby Teeth
If you are a parent of a newborn baby, it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about how to care for baby teeth and why it’s important. A lot of parents believe those baby teeth aren’t important since they will be replaced with permanent teeth later. This is simply not true, as baby teeth play a crucial role in speech development, the shape of a child’s face, and adult teeth. Make sure you are cleaning your baby’s gums after they eat and brushing baby teeth twice daily after they start to grow in.
Stage 2 – Preschooler’s Dental Hygiene
After your child reaches the age of 3, they should have all of their teeth. This age is the perfect opportunity to focus on the right brushing techniques. Start by brushing their teeth for them and then as they get older, you can start letting them practice on their own with your supervision. By this age, you should have taken your children a few times to the pediatric dentist in Verona, NJ. Make sure you are helping your children understand how important it is to pay the dentist a visit at regular intervals.
Stage 3 – Adolescence
As your child gets older, you need to be more diligent as a parent with trying to help them learn the right dental hygiene habits. They should be brushing their teeth twice daily on their own by the age of 7. Keep an eye on their brushing and try to regulate the number of sugary beverages and snacks that they consume.
If you have any questions about the stages of dental hygiene for kids or if you want to speak with a pediatric dentist in Montclair, NJ, reach out to Sparkles Dentistry for Children today.