Our practice has been helping people of all ages create healthy, beautiful smiles. Indeed, the younger we begin to teach our little ones how to care for their teeth, the better chances they have for establishing a lifetime of healthy smiles. Teaching your child how to brush properly is crucial to setting a healthy foundation of good oral health. Our John S. Grisham, DDS team in Littleton, New Hampshire, is pleased to share some tips with you to help you accomplish this.
Dr. John S. Grisham and our team care about your child’s oral health. Essentially, young children do not know how to brush their teeth properly unless they are shown, and until they have the proper manual coordination to handle a toothbrush correctly, it is vital for you to assist them in this important task.
We recommend choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush and then helping them angle it towards the gums and teeth. You will want to teach your child how to move the brush gently back and forth along the teeth and gums. Children usually respond favorably when you make it a game. Encourage them to brush the tongue, too, to remove any bacteria lingering on the surface.
Dental visits may begin as early as six months after the eruption of the first tooth or often after your child’s first birthday. By three years of age, your child should be seen by our dentist. This early exposure will create familiarity and comfort with our dental team, which is important to establish optimal oral health early on. If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, please call 603-444-2100 to speak with a member of our staff or to set up an appointment with our friendly dentist.