Have you thought about teaching oral health habits to your kids? If not, today is the day!
Your kids are your world, and you must teach them important life lessons. As soon as you spot the first tooth in your kid’s mouth, it’s time to grab a toothbrush.
Consult your dentist and ask them what type of toothpaste would suit your child.
It could be challenging for some parents, but you can use smart techniques and make the whole process of cleaning teeth fun and interesting. You have to think outside the box.
Read on for more information.
#1. Start Oral Health Habits from An Early Age
Instilling healthy oral habits from an early age will benefit your kids. Start brushing their teeth as soon as you see the first tooth in your kids’ mouth.
Constantly remind your kids how important it is to clean their teeth thoroughly, and not doing so can lead to cavities. You have to set an example by brushing your teeth in front of them. Then, when the kids see you taking care of your teeth, they will know that it’s an integral part of life.
#2. Brush Twice A Day
According to the American Dental Association, it’s best to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
So, you must tell your kids that they should brush their teeth twice a day and for two minutes. Brushing teeth means taking all the unwanted food particles out from the mouth. You can make brushing the teeth fun by introducing colorful and lively toothbrushes. However, it’s best to consider eco-friendly toothbrushes as you need to focus on the environment’s well-being as well. Your dentist can guide you about the best toothbrush for your child.
#3. Reward Kids for Good Behavior
Every time your child brushes their teeth, it’s best to reward them for this good behavior. Doing so can help in making this habit permanent.
No matter how tired you are, you must brush your teeth thoroughly to set an example. Children will follow you and give them gifts every time they show you good behavior. You have to reward frequently, and later, you can slow down on the rewards. The goal here is to teach them an important life lesson.
#4. Talk to A Dentist
Don’t forget to take your child to a dentist for a thorough check-up. As soon as you see the first tooth in your kid’s mouth, it’s time to visit a dentist. The dentist is your best source of information. No matter how many articles you read online or how many videos you watch, your dentist can give you the best information for your and your kids’ health.
If you spot a cavity in your kids’ mouths, take them to the dentist as soon as possible. It’s vital to address the issue as early as possible before it’s too late. Dentists can advise your kids and brush the tree the right way, so you should talk to your dentist about it.
#5. Give Knowledge About Healthy Habits
Saying is not enough sometimes, so you have to teach your kids about the importance of healthy habits. For example, tell them why not brushing their teeth can lead to cavities. Also, educate your kids about the importance of good oral health.
Brushing the teeth can save your kids from cavities, root canals, extraction, and many gum diseases in the long run—set examples for your children to know what a healthy mouth and a healthy smile looks like!
#6. Eat Healthy Food
Apart from brushing their teeth, the children must know the importance of eating healthy. It would help if you told your kids about the necessary food for the teeth.
When kids eat healthy food, their teeth will be strong, and they will not have cavities or any other pain related to their teeth. Eating healthy would be suitable for their overall health in the long run, so it’s wise to encourage your kids to eat healthy food and cook healthy food at home. Also, set an example of eating healthy in front of them because children learn from you.
Tips to Keep In Mind for Kids
It would be best to tell your kids about the importance of brushing their teeth and also by setting an example. Consider the following:
- Make sure you teach your kids how to brush their teeth properly from an early age. Practice makes perfect, so keep trying until they know how to clean the teeth.
- You must tell your kids that they should not share their brushes. Each kid must have a separate toothbrush.
- Buy cute and bright toothbrushes and things for your kids so that they would take an interest in the whole cleaning process.
- Set a routine in your house so that the kids know what to expect. For example, your kids wake up in the morning, brush their teeth, and brush their teeth at night before going to bed.
- Your children learn by looking at you, so you must set the perfect example. If you take care of your teeth correctly, your children will follow your example.
- Cleaning the teeth has to be fun and exciting. If your kids get irritated, they will not like the experience. So, be patient when dealing with your kids for healthy oral habits.
- Your kids are kids! They don’t know what you know, so it’s best to take help from your dentist. Maybe show them a cartoon on the importance of oral hygiene. Ask your dentist to guide you better.
- If your child has cavities, address the issue as soon as possible.
- Teach kids to floss the teeth as soon as the teeth fit close together.
Wrapping It Up
Healthy oral habits start from an early age. Your kids are the most precious thing in the world for you, so you must tell them the significance of brushing their teeth. It starts with you, so you have to set the perfect example. Talk to your dentist and discuss how you will tell your kids about the importance of flossing and brushing.