Smile Health: Things To Remember About Your Kiddos

Posted November 28, 2018

Our Dallas, TX team knows that what you really, really want is for your kids’ smiles to be healthy now and in the future. You want this to happen not only through your own efforts but also through your children’s amazing ability to learn how to brush, floss, and to schedule their own care when they are all grown up! Today, though, you may be faced with some very young humans who don’t quite understand the smile health details as deeply as you’d like and it can cause some frustration. Allow us to help you shift your outlook a bit with your little ones, so you can keep the facts in mind as you continue heading toward excellent smile care habits.

They Don’t Actually Connect With Oral Health Consequences

You can spend time talking with your younger kids about why they need to brush and floss. You can explain the purpose of coming in for a dental checkup and cleaning, too. As you speak with your children, they will likely nod and repeat things back to you. While they are certainly connecting with you in regard to the fact that smile health relies on dental care, they’re not quite connecting the dots like you are. So, when you find yourself upset that your kids don’t want to brush even though they know it’s important, remember that they’re just kids. Eventually, they will understand. However, today might not be that day, so simply insist on brushing and flossing.

Their Version Of “I Brushed My Teeth” Isn’t Necessarily Yours

You may be shocked at just how easy it becomes when your children begin brushing on their own. You send them into the bathroom to brush their smiles, they come out, you ask, “Did you brush your teeth?” and they say that yes, indeed they did accomplish this smile health related task! Good. You are lucky in that you have children who are proactive and feel proud about their dental care! However, we remind you: In the beginning, as kids polish their skills, their definition of teeth brushing may simply be quickly running the brush along the front of their teeth. Keep a close eye on their habits as they become more independent (and occasionally check in), so you can offer suggestions and ensure they’re doing a thorough job. They will get the hang of it!

Let Us Help You With Your Children’s Smile Care!

Remember that we are here to offer you the care and the perspective you need in order to guide your children’s smiles toward excellent health and long-term success. Schedule a visit with your Dallas, TX children’s dentist, Dr. Marr at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.