Teach Your Toddler How To Care For Their Teeth

Teaching your toddler how to care for teeth will increase the chances that your youngster maintains their beautiful smile. Use the tips below to teach your child about the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth as well as receiving dental checkups from a pediatric dentist.

Purchase Your Child A Step Stool And A Dental Kit

If your child is like many other toddlers, they will want to assist with moving a toothbrush's bristles across the surface of their teeth. Purchase your child a step stool if you do not already own one and place the stool in front of the bathroom sink. Buy a dental kit that includes a child-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and a cup. After each meal that your toddler eats, instruct your child to head into the bathroom and climb onto the stool.

While your child stands in front of the mirror, put toothpaste on the toothbrush and guide your youngster's hand as they hold onto the brush's handle so that all of their teeth are brushed thoroughly. Afterward, tell your child to rinse their mouth before using dental floss to remove particles of food from between your child's teeth. 

Check Out Books From A Library Prior To Visiting A Dentist

If your child has never been seen by a dentist before, make a dental appointment for them to have their teeth examined and cleaned. Prior to the appointment, prepare your child for a visit with the dentist by stopping by your local library and checking out teeth books that are geared toward toddlers. After heading home, sit down with your toddler and tell them about dentists and how they help care for teeth.

Read a couple books with your child and identify the pictures in each one. Encourage your child to comment about the books or to ask you questions and do your best to explain to them what they can expect at their impending dental appointment. On the day of the appointment, ease your child's mind by sitting in the exam room with them and by introducing them to the dentist soon after you arrive at the dental practice. 

Provide Your Toddler With Wholesome Foods And Nutritious Drinks

Healthy eating and drinking habits can be formed when children are young. While grocery shopping, read labels and look for foods and beverages that contain natural ingredients and low amounts of sugar.

If your child tends to avoid healthier foods and drinks, make meals more enticing by using food pieces to form a smiley face on your toddler's plate or by pouring beverages into a colorful cup that has your child's name on it. If your child likes to eat sugary snacks or pastries, save these items for special occasions and make sure that your child brushes their teeth thoroughly after consuming them. 

Contact a local pediatric dentist for more information.