3 Crucial Dental Habits You Should Teach Your Child from Your Dentist in Richardson

February is a time to celebrate love, but did you know that February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month? It’s a time to focus on making sure your children understand the importance of their dental health and know how to promote it. Have you taught your children healthy dental habits? How well do your children take care of their smiles? No matter where you are in the process, now is a great time to teach your children three critical dental habits with your dentist in Richardson that will help keep their smiles happy and healthy.

Brush Thoroughly

Everyone knows that they should brush their teeth, but do you know how thoroughly your child is brushing their teeth? Are they really getting the plaque off? One night after they brush, use plaque indicator tablets to see just how well your child removes plaque from their teeth. Having this visual can also help them realize how important brushing is.

To make brushing more fun for your child, you can play music and treat brushing like a dance. You can also allow them to pick out their toothbrush at the store. For younger children, a homemade sticker chart can be enough motivation for them to brush their teeth. Do whatever you need to do so that your child learns to brush consistently and properly.

Floss Daily

It can be difficult to get your children to floss, but it plays a critical role in their oral health. Food particles and bacteria can congregate in between teeth, where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. There the bacteria can create acids that attack teeth and cause cavities. Flossing daily takes care of these more difficult spots and protects them against tooth decay. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease, which is more common in adults than in children; however, if your child develops the habit of flossing early in life, they will be more likely to continue flossing into adulthood, helping them avoid the condition altogether.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Starting at just after their first birthday, your child should be seeing a dentist in Richardson twice a year. These visits, which are usually covered by most dental insurances, are meant to do several things: check on their oral development, address any of your concerns, and familiarize your child with the dentist. As they grow, cleanings will be added to the appointment as well. The more your child is exposed to the dentist, the more comfortable they will be sitting in the chair.

These visits are also an opportunity to get a deeper clean for their teeth. Even those who diligently brush and floss their teeth can have plaque buildup. When it hardens into tartar, it is much harder to remove, and it can more easily cause cavities. Your child’s six-month appointments can help prevent that buildup from leading to damage to your child’s adorable smile.

As you try to teach your child these crucial dental care habits, you will likely see a difference in their oral health. These skills, if learned early on in life, can set them up for more dental protection and success in the future. Take the chance this month to refocus on their dental health and hygiene. That way, they can keep their smiles bright and healthy for years to come.

About the Practice

Dr. Tom  McDougal and Dr. Chris Richards are known for their friendly demeanors and gentle touch in treatment. They are able to provide the highest level of dental care for the entire family, including children. At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, they and the staff have decades of experience and can deliver the results and treatment according to each patient’s wants and needs. To contact them and schedule an appointment, you can call (972) 231-5376 or click here.