How To Teach Your Children About Oral Hygiene
It can be difficult teaching your child about oral hygiene, but it doesn’t have to be if you know how to approach it. Here’s how to instill good habits in your child so that they can prevent oral health problems such as cavities and gingivitis.
1. Brush and Floss in Front of Your Child
Many children learn by watching, which is why it’s a great idea to let your child watch you brush and floss your teeth. Instead of telling your kids what to do, which can cause them to quickly lose interest, show them. Kids often emulate their parents because they look up to them.
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day for about two minutes. Be sure to use a timer to show your child how long he or she should take to properly brush. When it’s time for your child to brush, be sure to supply a gentle toothpaste. Looking up the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help you find the best type for your child’s needs.
When it comes to flossing, be sure to use the proper technique. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers and hold it taut with your thumbs and index fingers. Next, glide the floss up and down your teeth, making sure not to bruise or scratch your gums. To prevent the floss from contacting your gums, curve it into a C shape once you reach the top of the tooth. Rub the floss against both sides of the tooth to remove plaque.
2. Choose Dental Products Made for Kids
If you’re having trouble convincing your kids to brush or floss their teeth, try opting for oral care products that are specifically designed for children. For example, one study found that kids brush 73% longer when they use a singing toothbrush as opposed to a regular one. Dental products with music, superheroes and vibrant colors can make brushing and flossing a more enjoyable experience for your child.
3. Teach Healthy Eating Habits
Good hygiene doesn’t end with brushing and flossing regularly. Foods and beverages have a large impact on the state of your teeth because the traces of particles stay behind long after you’ve finished eating or drinking. Foods such as ice cream and candy contain high amounts of sugar and can therefore cause oral health problems for your child. This is because sugar turns to acid in the mouth, which erodes the enamel and leads to cavities. Although fruit juice is a common beverage among children, it contains high levels of acid and should be consumed in moderation.
4. Reward Your Child
Rewards are an effective way to reinforce good behavior. Your child probably receives rewards in school for doing well on an assignment, so why not continue this system to instill proper oral hygiene habits? Every time your child brushes or flosses his or her teeth, offer a gold star or sticker to encourage this behavior. However, be sure to stay away from sweet treats as rewards, as this can promote unhealthy habits.
5. Visit the Dentist Regularly
One of the most important steps in teaching your children about proper oral hygiene is regularly visiting the dentist. Establishing a routine of visiting the dentist will teach your child how important it is to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist every six months, either by their first birthday or when their first tooth begins to grow. Dentist visits are important for removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, therefore reducing the risk of cavities, gingivitis and other oral health concerns. If you notice any changes in your child’s mouth, be sure to visit the dentist as soon as possible.
Instilling good oral hygiene habits in your children is essential to their overall health. Following these tips can help you to get them excited about taking care of their teeth.
