Young children often fail to understand the importance of oral hygiene and as such, it can be difficult to get them to take regular care of their teeth. Plenty of kids don’t like brushing and flossing and because the seriousness of oral health isn’t something they can grasp at a young age, they may neglect their oral health needs.
Let’s explore four techniques parents can use to help encourage children to take care of their teeth from toddlerhood through adolescence.
Start the Habit Early
To help cement good oral health habits, it’s a good idea to get kids used to brushing their teeth as early as possible. As soon as a baby’s first teeth emerge from their gums, start brushing the child’s teeth and eventually, teach them how to brush their own teeth once they’ve got the dexterity to learn.
Make Oral Care Fun
Several products exist on the market today that are designed to enhance a child’s oral care experience. Try to make brushing and flossing fun by incorporating kid-friendly toothpaste flavors and brushes in their favorite colors or ones with cartoon characters depicted on them. You might even use an hourglass with colorful sand to time your child’s brushing time, or play a 2-minute song while your kids brush.
Reward Your Kids
Many children develop more consistent habits when they’re rewarded for their efforts. If you want your children to continue taking care of their teeth, keep track of every day that they brush and floss (either via a calendar or mobile app). When your children reach a time goal you’ve agreed upon, like 2-3 weeks of consistent brushing, reward them in some small way.
Maintain Regular Dental Visits
It’s a good idea to have your child start seeing a dentist as soon as they start developing teeth. A dentist who is experienced in caring for pediatric patients will not only evaluate your child’s oral health and clean their teeth, but these professionals will also provide you and your child with advice on how to improve brushing and flossing techniques.
If you’ve got small children and you’d like to ensure the integrity of their oral health, reach out to Golden Heart Dental to schedule an appointment. Our office provides regular pediatric dental services to supplement the care they receive at home.