How to Teach Kids to Keep Their Teeth Healthy

How to Teach Kids to Keep Their Teeth HealthyEmergency tooth extractions in Lake Elsinore can be overwhelming even for adults, not alone for kids, which is why it is up to the grown-ups, be it parents or teachers, to teach children about the importance and, why not, joys of maintaining proper dental and oral hygiene, which is the first line of defense against dental and oral conditions. 

When it comes to helping kids maintain oral health and form healthy habits, it is never too early to start. Before you know it, those baby teeth turn into permanent teeth, and unless they take good care of those, they may soon face the risk that they will suffer premature tooth loss or have to undergo permanent teeth removal at a young age. 

Besides, kids love being viewed as responsible, independent individuals, so as soon as they learn how to brush their teeth, the better. Kids who love brushing and flossing their teeth will have nothing to fear when the time comes for their regular dentist appointment. So how can you teach your kids to keep their teeth healthy? Read on.

How to keep kids’ teeth healthy

If you want your kids to develop healthy dental and oral care habits and keep their teeth healthy, the best way to do so is to lead by example:

  • Brush and floss together with them as part of a shared daily routine, in the morning and the evening
  • Teach them how to do brush and floss properly
  • Help them prepare for the first appointment with a dental professional
  • Keep a regular routine of dental appointment at least twice a year
  • Have the talk and make your kids understand what a dental appointment is like and how it helps them have healthy, strong teeth and a beautiful smile
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and avoid sugary foods as a family as this helps avoid cavities and decay
  • Make it fun and set up a reward system such as a new toy or a family trip to Lake Elsinore to make it more interesting for your kid to keep up and practice proper dental and oral hygiene

Why should I take my child to a dentist?

There is nothing more beautiful than the pearly white smile and perfect teeth of a child, so the longer it stays that way, the better. For anyone who has ever experienced dental or oral complications, there is no better reason to look for an experienced, patient dentist than to spare their child pain and discomfort down the line and let them know that seeing a dentist is nothing to be afraid of.

What is the youngest age to go to the dentist?

Ideally, baby teeth care should begin as soon as the first tooth appears, which means it is basically never too early to take your child to a dentist. Regular dental checkups can start within 6 months of the first tooth and then twice a year going forward.

Can 11-year-olds get wisdom teeth?

Between the ages of 6 and 12, kids have permanent and baby teeth, and by the time they reach the age of 12, most kids will already have developed all their permanent teeth with the exception of the third molars or wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth may erupt normally, with complications, or they may never erupt. 

If they do erupt, it typically happens during the late teenage years or the early twenties, although in some cases it may happen later in life. However, wisdom teeth begin to form sooner than that, usually between the ages of 7 and 10, but the whole process can take years to complete.

Should I have my child’s wisdom teeth removed?

Some children may never have to have their wisdom teeth removed. But more often than not, wisdom teeth can be problematic. Regardless of the patient’s age, an oral surgeon may recommend extraction of a wisdom tooth in case it causes the patient pain and discomfort, in case of decay or if is estimated that the tooth will not be able to come in properly due to lack of room in the jaw, as this, too may lead to future complications.

Complications caused by an impacted wisdom tooth include periodontal disease, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth. Oral surgeons may also recommend extracting a fully erupted wisdom tooth as a preventive measure. The longer the extraction is being postponed, the more difficult it can be to perform the procedure, the higher the risks associated with it, and the more complicated the recovery process can be.

Why should I take my child to a dentistEmergency tooth extractions in Lake Elsinore can be nasty, but not on our watch

At our practice, we work hard to make our youngest patients’ first dental appointment a pleasant experience, and we are equally committed to making all our other patients feel comfortable. If an emergency tooth removal becomes absolutely necessary and impossible to avoid, we will do our best to make your child feel safe and comfortable. 

We want them to learn from the experience and discover how fun and rewarding it can be to be diligent about dental and oral care. For more details on emergency surgical extractions and other services we provide to patients in Lake Elsinore and the Temecula region, reach out to us anytime!