Oubre Orthodontics is not only passionate about beautiful smiles—we’re committed to helping our patients establish healthy habits for life. As your trusted Lafayette orthodontist, Dr. Matthew Oubre wants each of our patients to have straight, perfect smiles that last for years to come. That’s why we’re proud providers of Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces, clear braces & more in Lafayette. We know that good oral health starts from a young age, and habits formed in childhood are often habits for life. With this in mind, we proudly bring you the following tips for teaching good oral health habits to your children.
Start Early
Young children have a love for learning how the world works. They often enjoy doing “grown-up” tasks like brushing teeth. You can start teaching your 2 or 3-year-old how to brush properly, including techniques and even how much toothpaste to use. Making tooth-brushing a normal, daily task will help engrain it into your child’s daily routine, setting them up for a lifetime of success.
Be An Example
One of the best ways to teach a child something is to model it yourself. Let your child see you brushing and flossing every day, and use positive language when talking about oral care, including visiting the dentist. Make it a priority to keep up with dental visits and talk about how it’s fun to have healthy, clean teeth. Try to practice good eating habits around your child and explain how it helps make your teeth strong and sparkly. Your attitude towards oral health plays a huge role in how your child will ultimately view it.
Use the Right Tools
Take your child shopping to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure that it is a small, soft-bristled brush designed for your child’s unique age. Allowing your child to hand-pick their own oral care tools can go a long way in helping them embrace good habits. In addition, toothbrushes for kids often come in fun colors and characters, and toothpaste flavors like strawberry or bubble gum can help your child look forward to brushing time!
Use Books & Videos
There are many books and videos that can help normalize brushing and flossing for kids. Go to the library and check out a few fun books that show characters having fun brushing. Look up episodes of your child’s favorite show that depict morning or evening routines where the characters get ready for school or for bed. These resources can make oral health very relatable and practical for kids.
Braces For Kids in St. Catharines
At Oubre Orthodontics, we’ve helped countless patients young and old transform their smiles with our expert treatments. Whether you’re looking for clear braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, or traditional braces for kids in Lafayette, Dr. Matthew Oubre would love the chance to provide your child with a healthy, beautiful smile for life. In addition to Lafayette braces for kids, we also offer teen and adult orthodontics. For more tips on helping your children develop good oral hygiene habits, contact us today. And if you’re ready to transform your smile with Lafayette clear braces for adults, book an appointment now. We look forward to being your preferred orthodontist in Lafayette!