Making sure your children understand the importance of good oral habits will go a long way to maintaining healthy teeth and gums into adulthood. Here are a few tips to help educate your child about good oral care that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Set a Good Example.
Children learn by example and enjoy copying their parents. Brush your teeth with them so they are able to learn proper care of their teeth. Brush and floss together in front of the mirror, as you instruct your child on correct brushing and flossing techniques. As they grow more independent check on them to make sure they continue to brush and floss properly and understand the importance of a regular routine.
Use Educational Tools.
There are many good videos and books to help children comprehend the value of sound oral hygiene habits and learning how to brush and floss properly. Start at an early age to watch instructional videos and read books together to help them understand the importance of good oral health.
Teach them about health risks.
Explain the risks associated with not caring for their teeth properly, such as getting cavities, gum disease or losing a tooth. Involve an experienced family-friendly dental practice to help give your children invaluable advice about good oral health habits.
Engage your children in the process.
Allow your children to pick out their own oral healthcare products, when you shop for their toothbrush and toothpaste.
Make it fun and give them rewards.
Having fun while brushing your teeth will give your child further incentive to keep up good oral health habits. Play a song for about two minutes while brushing teeth to teach them the optimal amount of time to brush. Develop a dental chart to give your child positive feedback when they clean their teeth without your instructing them to do so. Provide a reward after they have successfully followed a dental routine that you have outlined for them on the chart.
Establish a regular dental schedule for your children.
As soon as your children’s first teeth come in, make a visit to your dentist for an initial screening and to establish a schedule for monitoring their teeth as they grow. Plan to schedule visits every six months once the child’s primary teeth start to grow (around six months old). Your child’s permanent teeth will begin to come in around six years old.
Dr. Ted Melchers and his staff are here to help address any of your dental health issues and decide the best course of treatment for their patients. Contact Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry today to see how we can best meet your dental care needs.
