5 Ways to Get Your Child to Care for Their Teeth | Pediatric Dentist in Schaumburg

For some parents, it can be challenging to get kids to practice at-home oral care unsupervised. However, the long-term benefits of an early start are worth the effort. Here are some tips from our pediatric dentist in 60194 to help you make oral health a fun part of your kid's daily routine.

1. Let Them Choose Their Own Supplies

Let your child pick out their own toothbrush. This will help them take ownership in their oral care routine. There are many toothpaste options for children, too. Let them choose their own with guidance from you and our pediatric dentist.

2. Go High-Tech

Use technology to your advantage: Have them choose an app that prompts them to brush for two minutes to music or a video.

3. Brush and Floss Together

Your child will be much more excited about routine care if it's framed as a group activity. Brush your teeth next to your child. If you have more than one child, have them brush together, ideally with you. A family routine makes the time more enjoyable and helps your child accept oral hygiene as a normal part of life.

4. Educate and Empower

It's important that your child understands why practicing good oral hygiene is so important. Without using undue scare tactics, teach them about the consequences of neglecting oral health. We, as your pediatric dentist, can also show them the best ways to brush and floss and we strive to make every dental visit enjoyable.

5. Reward Good Behavior

A little incentive can go a long way. When trying to coax a child to floss and brush on their own, it might be helpful to implement a simple reward system. For example, your child could track their own brushing on a calendar or reward app and trade in a good week for a prize or privilege.

There are a number of strategies you can use to make brushing a fun part of your child's day, rather than a chore to be endured. You know your child better than anyone, so feel free to experiment and share them with us so we can pass them along to other parents.

Regular professional cleanings and examinations are essential to an effective oral hygiene routine. Contact our pediatric dental team to schedule your child's next appointment at our pediatric dental office in Schaumburg, IL.

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry

Phone: 847-717-5437

Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/

1640 Capital Suite Ste 500

Elgin, IL 60124

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry

Phone: 847-717-5437

Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/

75 West Schaumburg Road

Schaumburg, IL 60194

The Best Age to Get Braces | Best Pediatric Dentist

Braces can help create a straight, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Ideally, any corrections to the bite, jaw, or mouth structure should be performed during adolescence while the mouth is still forming. Here is what you need to know before your child begins treatment with braces.

Does My Child Need Braces?

You might be wondering if your child is a good candidate for orthodontics, and that is a decision made in partnership with your dentist. Braces are primarily used to correct improper bites. If you child has an overbite or underbite, braces may be recommended along with another orthodontic appliance to gently shift jaw position. Additionally, braces are used to correct gaps between teeth as well as teeth that are growing in at a crooked angle.

The Importance of Starting Early

Braces are more effective in younger patients because the jaw structure is still malleable. According to the American Dental Association, the majority of orthodontic treatment cases typically begin between the ages of 8 and 14. Your child's particular course of treatment is going to be dependent on a number of factors including mouth structure and the progress of erupting adult teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic examination at about age 7. At that age, most primary teeth have erupted and issues such as overcrowding and an uneven bite will be apparent. This, of course, does not mean your child will get braces right away. Our dentist in 60124 can provide referrals for this type of examination. 

Braces Can Improve Your Child's Life

It may be difficult for a kid to imagine an extended period of time without being able to eat sticky, gummy foods or chew bubblegum; however, for the right candidate, orthodontics provides many benefits to overall health and well-being. By straightening teeth and closing gaps, your child's gum health will be improved. Braces can prevent dental complications later in life such as the need for more advanced corrective procedures. Your child's confidence will also be boosted once they see the results of a straight, beautiful smile.

We invite you and your child to discuss the benefits of having braces with our doctor. During your appointment, we will provide a complete examination and make a recommendation for a treatment plan that will work best for your child.

Our caring, professional team can schedule your child's appointment at our pediatric dental office in Elgin, IL as soon as you get in touch.

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry

Phone: 847-717-5437

Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/

1640 Capital Suite Ste 500

Elgin, IL 60124

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry

Phone: 847-717-5437

Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/

75 West Schaumburg Road

Schaumburg, IL 60194