First-time parents may struggle to understand child dental hygiene. How to start, what tools to use, when to begin—these are all questions we’ve encountered in our Waterloo dental clinic. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying new habits on a picky toddler, which is why our clinic does our best to make dental hygiene fun!
We’ve compiled a list of our top tips below for your reference. If you have any follow-up questions, we’d love to chat.
Get them brushing
First and foremost, kids take after their guardians. Children look up to their parents and often mimic their behaviours. As a parent, the best way to form healthy dental habits in your children is through action. A child will be more likely to brush their teeth if they see you doing it: that being said, sometimes toddlers will struggle with letting their teeth be brushed. This new sensation will take some getting used to, so don’t focus on brushing your 2-year-old’s teeth like you would your own. Instead, create a habit of brushing their teeth as best as you can twice a day. A rough job twice a day that creates an expectation is far better than nothing.
Fluoride-free or fluoride toothpaste?
Trying to determine whether or not you will use fluoride-free toothpaste or fluoride-containing toothpaste comes down to whether or not your child is spitting out the toothpaste. Small children may be more inclined to swallow the toothpaste. If this is the case for your child, opt for fluoride-free toothpaste. When they get the hang of spitting into the sink, you can switch to fluoride toothpaste.
Addressing issues or concerns
If you’re unsure of which toothpaste is best for your child, talk to a local dentist in a dental clinic near you. Staff at Chiu Dental in Waterloo, Ontario, can recommend a child-friendly toothpaste, toothbrush, and even habits if you are having trouble getting your child to participate. Chiu Dental is full of kind, funny dental professionals who are looking to make long-term relationships. For kids who aren’t used to dental clinics, return visits to the same location can instill trust and comfort for the child.
Find a Dentist You Trust
Serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge, Chiu Dental is a friendly and welcoming dental office near you. Chiu Dental welcomes parents to make an appointment for their kids starting as young as three years old to familiarize them with the office space and environment. This doesn’t have to be a check-up: we may simply say hi and show them around! Our friendly staff love it when families drop in to tour the office. Contact the Chiu Dental team to book your appointment today.
Been here before? Leave us a review! We love to hear what our patients think. Here are some past reviews:
“Always a great experience at Chiu Dental, highly recommend ;)” – Justin
“Chiu Dental team is friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Made me feel at ease after my first visit. Thanks” – Roland
“I just recently switched to Dr. Chiu, I’ve seen her twice now. Super friendly staff, welcoming and calming atmosphere, accommodates to what you may need. Added bonus, the dental chairs have massagers in them.” – Sabrina