Teaching your children proper dental habits is essential for their oral health and overall well-being. Positive dental experiences when they are young increase the chances that a child will continue good dental practices as they age. Dr. Dennis Aylward, Dr. Brent Carey, and Dr. Allison Carey of Carey & Aylward in Westland, MI, are all dentists who love helping parents instruct their kids in forming great dental habits.

Dentist in Westland, MI, Explains Good Dental Habits

Regular brushing should take place at least twice a day for two-minute intervals each time. Another critical thing to remember about maintaining good dental habits is remembering to floss! Flossing interferes with bacteria between teeth where there's no space for a toothbrush or dental pick to reach it.

When You Should Start Teaching Your Kids

Every dentist in Westland, MI, understands that parents should start talking early to their children about proper dental habits. Babies can learn to enjoy a gentle finger toothbrush rubbed lightly on their gums before they even develop teeth. As they age, kids can be instructed to hold a toothbrush with just water and brush their teeth. The child should not be given toothpaste that is not meant to be swallowed until they can successfully rinse and spit on their own without swallowing. Flossing can be introduced gradually as you teach them how to floss one tooth at a time to avoid getting floss stuck in their teeth. If you have any difficulty with this, the dentists at Carey & Aylward in Westland, MI, would love to help you with additional tips.

How to Integrate Good Dental Habits into Routines

After eating, you and your family can make it a habit to learn how to rinse and spit out their mouths when the kids are very young. If your family chews gum, point out to the kids while shopping that you only purchase sugarless gum. If you offer sweets as rewards for behavior, consider offering fresh fruit instead of sugary sodas or snacks.

As the kids' age, everyone practices brushing their teeth simultaneously, both morning and night, at a minimum. You can play fun music to make this more memorable. You can also do this as a night-time habit right before story-time or something similar. You could also make it a rule in your family that the family movie doesn't start until everyone's teeth have been brushed and flossed. If you're seeking a dentist in Westland, MI, look no further than  Dr. Aylward, Dr. Carey, and Dr. Carey of Carey & Aylward in Westland, MI, for the dental needs of your entire family. Contact them at 734-425-9130 today to schedule an appointment!


Westland, MI Dentist Carey & Aylward, DDS, PC
32540 Warren Road Westland, MI 48185 (734) 425-9130 Dentist in Westland, MI Call For Pricing Options