5885 Shoreview Ln N
Keizer , OR 97303-3866
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.
Shoreview Dental-Logo
(503) 455-4156
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.

Blog Layout

How to Encourage Optimal Oral Health in Children

January 4, 2024

Your child's oral health is an important part of their overall well-being. Tooth decay is one of the most common types of childhood chronic diseases. According to Shortlister, an expert wellness vendor database, nearly 70% of parents say their children have felt pain caused by dental issues. A lot of time, this pain can be avoided if good oral health habits were put in place early on. Let's look at a few ways parents can help their children in this area.


Start Dental Visits Early


Dental visits should be started early in your child's life. Our professionals recommend that a child first visit the dentist six months after the appearance of their first tooth. When you start dental visits early, it helps to teach your child that this aspect of their health is a lifelong priority.


Stay Consistent With Dental Service Visits


Dental visits are the most beneficial when they are done consistently. Our experts recommend scheduling at least two dental visits a year. During a dental visit, your child's teeth will be professionally cleaned. A thorough exam of the teeth and mouth can catch dental issues early. A top-tier dentist will bring these issues to your attention, provide necessary dental services, and provide you with helpful advice regarding your child's oral health.


Start Brushing as Soon as Teeth Appear


As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, it's time to start brushing or at least cleaning the baby's teeth. At first, you can do this with a clean damp cloth and a small amount of toothpaste. We recommend doing this twice a day, just as you would clean your own teeth.


Always Supervise Dental Care


Your children will likely need supervision for their dental care for many years. Until your child is performing all dental care without needing assistance, you must keep helping. When left to themselves, most children will not brush effectively or brush at all. Reach out to our team for guidance on how to build great dental practices with your kids.


Do Not Use Bottles or Sippy Cups at Night


Bottles and sippy cups filled with juice or milk at night will cause severe tooth decay in children. Children should only have water once their teeth have been brushed at night. Keeping this tip in mind will benefit your child's long-term health.

In general, sugary drinks should be kept to a minimum. Liquids like tea, lemonade, and juice will coat the teeth in sugar, which is difficult to fully clean when brushing.


Follow Up With Dental Service Work


If a dentist has determined that your child will need dental work, it's critical to make sure that follow-up appointments are scheduled in a timely manner. If you skip recommended dental work, it could have negative consequences on your child's overall health in the future. It's okay to discuss dental work with the dentist to better understand why a certain treatment is being recommended. A helpful dental service will answer any questions you may have about the work they provide and the benefits your child should expect.


Encourage Flossing


It may already seem like a struggle to get your children to brush regularly, but it is important that you establish good flossing habits as well. Flossing is one of the most powerful ways to prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis. Gingivitis isn't common among children, but a lack of flossing can lead to an increased incidence of cavities. Tooth decay, even in baby teeth, can cause problems for permanent teeth later on. Establishing a good flossing habit now will help your children maintain this routine for years to come.


Discourage Bad Oral Habits


There are many smaller habits that are bad for your teeth. These can include nail biting, thumb sucking, biting objects, and chewing ice, to name a few. It's important that you discourage your child from these behaviors to protect their teeth. Speak with a reliable dentist to learn more about the root causes of these habits and how your kids can be encouraged to drop them.


These are just a few of the ways you can help improve your child's oral health and guide them to prioritize this aspect of their wellness. If you're looking for expert dental services for the whole family, please contact Shoreview Dental today! We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional and comfortable experience for our patients.

clear aligner braces
October 3, 2024
Clear aligner braces are a great orthodontic option for many Americans. Here are three things to expect from this orthodontic treatment.
dentists
September 18, 2024
Whether you're a child or a full-grown adult, understanding proper dental care is crucial. Take a look at the six things dentists want you to know.
dentists offices
July 31, 2024
You can prevent gum disease with the right care, maintenance, and regular visits to our dentists' offices. Here's how to start fighting gum disease today.
dentists
July 3, 2024
Dentists often help treat cavities at appointments. If you've experienced your first cavity, here are a few tips to help. Keep reading to learn more.
clear aligners
May 16, 2024
Are you experiencing issues with your mouth that you'd like to solve? Here are seven signs that clear aligners may be the right choice for you.
dentists
May 7, 2024
Here are the top six questions to ask your dentists during your next visit. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
clear aligners
March 26, 2024
Are you an adult who isn't that happy with the state of their smile? Here are some reasons why adults should go with clear aligners.
dental service
January 4, 2024
As an expert dental service, we understand your priority of improving your child's oral health. Here are some ways you can encourage good dental habits!
dentist
December 14, 2023
Everyone knows it's important to visit the dentist, but do you know when it's most important for children to do so? Read here to learn when.
dental service
August 4, 2023
There are many oral diseases and conditions that a professional dental service can help you prevent. Continue reading to learn more about them.
More Posts
Share by: