A young girl brushes her teeth as she smiles at the camera. She has brown hair done up in pigtails and brown eyes.

BRUSH UP ON YOUR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS

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It’s never too early to focus on your child’s dental health. Each February, the American Dental Association recognizes the importance of dental hygiene for children by celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month. This serves as a reminder for all parents and caregivers to reinforce these essential habits for our children and educate them on the steps that can be taken to create a healthy smile. 

At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we want to raise awareness of the importance of a consistent dental routine at any age.

  • When your child is an infant, it is essential to begin taking care of their mouth and gums. Gently massage your child’s gums with a warm washcloth regularly. This will help to remove any harmful bacteria. 
  • Avoid giving them a bottle while they are sleeping. 
  • When teeth begin to erupt, you may begin to brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush. 
  • You can bring your child to the dentist for their first visit after twelve months old. This is a good opportunity for parents to ask questions and seek advice. Around the age of two or three, as the child’s primary teeth begin to erupt, we will continue to get them comfortable in the ‘dental chair’ and polish the teeth if the visit is going well. Regular visits thereafter will enable the dentist to monitor any issues. 
  • During the toddler and early school years, be sure to brush your child’s teeth with them so that they can learn the proper techniques. Use a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for the best results. You can incorporate videos and tutorials, music or timing mechanisms to make brushing more fun!
  • As your child gets older, encourage your child to brush and floss twice a day! A fluoride rinse can also help to eliminate any bacteria. 
  • Encourage healthy eating habits by limiting sugary drinks and snacks and supplementing fruits and veggies. 
  • Regular visits to the dentist will keep your child on track for a healthy smile. 

By implementing these techniques and tips at a young age, your child will become more familiar with making dental hygiene a part of their regular routine. Our team of dentists and hygienists at Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates in Harleysville and Souderton are committed to encouraging a healthy lifestyle for all of our patients. 

You can learn more about our practice and services, including pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and dental implants, by browsing our website or contacting us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.