Little Teeth are a Big Responsibility

When you become a parent, you’re responsible for teaching a brand new person how to do nearly everything they will ever know. From walking to riding a bike, to (GULP!) driving someday, it’s on you, Mom & Dad! Good oral hygiene habits are just another item on that long list of things to teach your children.

Brush Early, Brush for Life.

Your baby works really hard to cut those first tiny teeth, so help protect their efforts by taking good care of them. Primary teeth are often considered a “practice” set, but they do an important job of keeping the space for the adult teeth coming in behind them. Start washing newborn gums with a washcloth or training toothbrush to get your baby used to the sensation of having their teeth cleaned. Once your baby has teeth, you can gradually move on to a soft-bristled brush, training toothpaste and kid-sized flossers. Good dental care habits can last a lifetime, so start young!

Encourage Independence.

Toddlers are immensely proud of themselves when they do something new on their own, but they are terrible at brushing teeth. Start by letting your child do the first round of brushing themselves as soon as they show interest. When they are done, “help” with a follow-up brushing. As your child gets older, you can let them take over more and more of the brushing routine. You’ll probably have to closely supervise until they reach their tween years, and then you will have to nag them to brush their teeth until they’re out of the house. It’s well worth the effort, and they will thank you when they have all of their teeth in retirement.

Model Desired Behaviour.

You’re on constant display now, so don’t think for a second your kids will let you get away with forcing them to do something you don’t do yourself. When your children see that you brush and floss your own teeth every day, they are more likely to emulate that behaviour. The same goes for regular trips to the dentist. When they see you heading off to your appointment, they will know that regular dental care visits are a part of living a healthy life.

More To Explore

A smiling woman holding a toothbrush with a plate of plaque-fighting foods, including a green apple, leafy greens, almonds, broccoli, and cheese.
General Dentistry

Best Foods and Habits to Prevent Plaque and Tartar Buildup Naturally

Keeping your teeth clean and healthy isn’t just about brushing—it’s also about what you eat and how you take care of your oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. The good news? You can prevent them naturally with the right foods and

A dentist in blue scrubs performing a dental procedure on a female patient, preparing her teeth for a dental bridge
General Dentistry

The Step-by-Step Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

Missing teeth can affect both your smile and your oral health. A dental bridge is a great solution to restore your confidence and functionality. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, a dental bridge can help fill the gap seamlessly. If you’re considering dental bridges

Making Kelowna Brighter, One Smile At A Time

3975 Lakeshore Rd #301, Kelowna, BC V1W 1V3

Office Hours