When was your child’s last visit to the dentist? If your answer was “within the past six months” you would be a winner of a gold medal if there was an Olympic category for good oral hygiene. Healthy teeth equal a healthy life. February is the month of smiles and an opportunity to focus on oral health education with your children. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are valuable habits to form at an early age to help your child maintain a mouthful of healthy teeth for a lifetime. Start brushing for them when that very first tooth comes in. When older, let your child select their own toothbrush with a favorite character on it and make brushing fun by example – brush together in front of a mirror and have them mimic your brushing technique with silly faces. Make brushing a regular routine and track their daily progress on a chart with stickers, praising them for a job well done. Talk with your family dentist for helpful tips on proper brushing techniques.
