If you are a freelance dental hygienist or professional that specializes in pediatric dentistry, you know that a child’s smile is just as important as an adult’s. Regardless if you work in pediatric or general dentistry, parents must be well aware of their child’s oral health and do their part to make sure that it stays in good condition throughout their childhood and teen years.

We’ll be taking a look at 3 child dental tips that you as a dental professional must share with the parents of your young patients. Whether they are infants to 5 years old or up to age 12, dental professionals and parents can work together to ensure that every child gets the best dental care possible while making sure their child is keeping up on their brushing and flossing.

Here are some of the child dental care tips on our list:

1. The Earlier, the Better

If you have a patient who is expecting a child, this is a perfect opportunity to let them know ahead of time about their child’s oral health. The earlier a child sees a dentist, the better off they’ll be. What is also important is making sure that their visits to the dentist are consistent.

At the earliest, a child’s first visit should be when they reach the age of one. Within the first six to twelve months of their life, their first teeth will appear. This will allow dentists to assist parents in the child’s teething stages and help prepare them for an oral health routine that can last well into their adult years.

2. Make Them Aware of Good Eating Habits

It’s no secret that a child’s eating habits will always yield some kind of result for their oral health. The truth cannot be any clearer: a poor diet that consists of sugary foods will be detrimental to oral health. Regardless of the eating habits they adopt, brushing and flossing regularly is key.

3. Inform Them About Dental Safety

If your patient is an older child who is active in sports, the importance of a mouthguard should be stressed. Bumps, slips, and falls can happen while a child plays sports. And it can also cause a tooth to get knocked out.

Children and even adults should wear a mouthguard while engaging in sporting activities like hockey, basketball, or football. Regardless, it’s better to be well-protected than never at all.

Final Thoughts

As a dental professional who works with children, being in constant communication with your parents is a plus. Especially when you want to make sure that their child stays on top of their oral health. If the child is unable to brush their teeth by themselves, it’s important to have the child’s parents do their part to make sure their child’s smile is well taken care of.

If you are a dental professional that loves working with kids, there’s a dental practice out there waiting for you to make an impact. Check out the Stynt Network and set up a profile today. Get started by filling out the form or download our mobile app.