Prevention for Your Keiki

Did you know tooth decay can occur as soon as your child’s first tooth appears? The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit after the first tooth appears or before their first birthday, at the latest. The dentist will check for cavities and suggest some preventive measures to decrease the likelihood of future cavities.

A healthy start

It’s never too early to begin a lifetime of good dental health. Brushing and flossing regularly to maintain good oral hygiene will teach good habits and improve health throughout your child’s lifetime. Here are some tips for ensuring good dental health as your kids grow:

Babies

• Parents should begin brushing baby teeth as soon as they start to pop through the gums.
• Babies should have their first dental appointment by their first birthday.

Preschoolers

• Preschoolers typically start to want to brush by themselves, but they still need help to ensure they’re brushing correctly.
• Teaching proper brushing techniques is good prep for the elementary years when they will start brushing on their own.
• Getting kids excited about brushing isn’t always easy, but letting them pick their toothbrush and a fun toothpaste can help.

Elementary

• At this age, kids often have busy schedules that can lead to poor dental hygiene due to rushing through brushings or failing to brush.
• Use a soft-bristled brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily and floss once daily.
• Limit sugary drinks and foods and encourage your child to drink water to increase saliva production, which helps protect against cavities and decay. Hard snacks like carrots and apples also help to clean teeth.

Teens

• For teenagers, even busier schedules can be problematic for dental health. Buy a few disposable or travel toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to stash in backpacks and vehicles.
• Highlight the importance of a clean smile and fresh breath for a positive self-image.

Find a dentist

Finding a dentist for your child is easy. Just visit hmsadental.com/find-a-dentist.