As parents, it is important to show your children the importance of good oral health at a young age. Children learn most of their oral hygiene practices at home; this is why it is important to teach children the proper ways to care for their mouth and gums early on. The practices you teach your children about oral care will greatly influence their oral health, and they would be likely to carry on with these practices until they grow old.

It is best to initially train your children to pick up the habit of brushing their teeth twice daily. The best time for a child to start brushing is around two years old, after the first set of milk teeth have started to grow. Soft bristled toothbrushes should be used at this time. Aside from daily brushing, also teach your children the habit of regularly flossing between teeth.

Also, teach children the importance of routine dental visits. Traumatic dental experiences during childhood usually cause children to develop a fear towards dental visits throughout their lives. Giving children a positive perception of dental check-ups will lessen their anxieties and reduce their reluctance to undergo regular dental care.

Teaching your children the steps to correct brushing is important in keeping their teeth healthy. Consult with a Lexington dentist to teach you the proper steps for brushing teeth. Some pointers to proper brushing include: brushing at an angle along your gum line, and using a wiggling motion to brush. Also, try to cover corners and chewing surfaces of each tooth, as well as the tongue and the back of teeth.

West Columbia dental clinics also advise families to use toothpastes that contain fluoride. Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. Plaque and tartar produce cavities that destroy the teeth's enamel. Fluoride works by entering the tooth enamel and helping restore it, thus making your teeth stronger and preventing tooth decay. Using toothpastes, rinses, and gels that contain fluoride are the best ways to obtain its benefits.

It is also advisable to reduce the frequency of your snack periods throughout the day. The more often you snack, the longer time your teeth are exposed to plaque and acids. This increases the possibility of teeth damage, as compared to taking large snacks at one time. Consult with your west Columbia dentist to know more about ways to protect your teeth from cavities.