Healthy Habits Form Happy Smiles!

A lifetime of healthy teeth starts with good dental habits. Give your child a strong foundation by bringing them for an exam and cleaning twice a year. When visiting, encourage your child to listen to our dental team during their visit and work with your child at home to improve their dental hygiene routine.

Build A Strong Foundation For Your Child’s Smile

A child’s first dental visit should ideally occur around their first birthday. This early introduction to our office helps to normalize their experience and fosters a positive association with Dr. Ritchie. Regular check-ups, typically every six months, also allow us to monitor your child’s oral development, identify potential issues, and provide preventive care.

While professional cleanings are vital for maintaining oral health, it is just as important that your child continues good dental hygiene at home as well! Dr. Ritchie recommends brushing at least twice per day and flossing daily. It’s best to brush and floss your child’s teeth until they are old enough to do this unassisted, which is typically around the age of 8. Doing so helps prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues down the line.

Keep Growing Smiles Sparking

During each visit, we will gently clean your child’s teeth and remove any plaque or tartar that has built up. We will also carefully examine their mouth and teeth for any potential issues. As your child grows, our dentists will monitor the growth of their teeth and identify any need they may have for orthodontic intervention. These regular cleanings and exams will essentially help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

What Good Dental Hygiene Looks Like At Home

• Brushing and flossing twice every day
• Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash – this strengthens enamel and prevents cavities
• You are what you eat – eating a balanced diet, as well as limiting sugary snacks and drinks, also strongly contributes to good oral health.

How To Build Dental Hygiene Habits With Your Little One

Make it Fun: Try turning brushing time into a game or a song!

Work Together: Let your child choose their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste so they feel like part of a team.

Lead By Example: Little ones tend to mimic their parents. By letting them see you practicing good oral hygiene habits, they are far more likely to stick with the habit themselves.

Celebrate Small Wins: Create a positive association by rewarding your child for good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly.

The Carrot, Not The Stick: Negative reinforcement can create fear and anxiety, making dental visits and home care less pleasant.

What To Expect From A Pediatric Dentist

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Ritchie, specializes in treating children. He is trained to handle the unique needs of young patients, from infancy through adolescence, and can provide a range of services, including:

• Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.
• Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, crowns, and other procedures to repair damaged teeth.
• Behavior Management Techniques: Strategies to make dental visits less stressful for anxious children.
• Orthodontics: Early intervention to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.

Dr. Ritchie will teach you and your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth as they grow. He will also discuss dental hygiene habits and healthy food choices and teach your child to be our partner in keeping their mouth and teeth healthy.

Start Your Child’s Smile Journey

Creating healthy dental hygiene habits can help keep your child’s teeth strong and beautiful. Contact our friendly team today for preventive dental care for your little ones in Tyler, TX, and help keep their teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime!