Teach yours kids good dental hygiene and it will ensure they develop and maintain excellent oral health for years to come. Here’s how to do it successfully!
by Troop Atomic Mommy
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As a parent, one of the best habits you can instill in your kids right from an early age is good dental hygiene. Teaching your kids some tips for better dental hygiene will go a long way in enhancing their oral health for the rest of their lives. Studies have revealed that 41% of kids between the ages of 2 to 11 have decayed front teeth, proving how crucial it is to ensure that your kids take good care of their teeth. It is worth noting that in the worst-case scenario, poor dental health can even result in heart and pulmonary conditions. However, there’s no need to worry, as you can teach your kids good dental hygiene with the tips below.
#1 Set a good example
Your kids go through several stages in their lives, giving you a perfect opportunity to instill the right habits in them and significantly impact their way of doing things. Take advantage of this effect by being an example for your children and teaching them the importance of practicing good oral hygiene. You will be amazed at how quickly kids learn from you. For starters, brush your teeth together until your kids grow used to it and can do it independently. It’s also a good idea to teach them the basic functions of a toothbrush as young as 6 months old. This can be done by simply letting them hold the tooth brush and guiding their hand as they move it around their mouth.
#2 Prevent tooth cavities
Cavities may develop when food and bacteria are not removed by brushing after eating. As a result, the tooth enamel becomes softer because acid builds on it. A sure way to prevent your kids from having dental cavities reinforce the importance of brushing and flossing. Teach your children to consistently floss and brush at least twice a day, and to floss after each meal. Also, try to limit their intake of sugary foods like juices and candies, particularly sticky or gummy candies. If your kids consume these often, they could be at risk of needing fillings or even root canals. To avoid this from happening, have them clean their teeth and rinse their mouths afterwards to remove the sugar.
#3 Be intentional about their diet
Your kids’ diet plays a significant role in their oral health. It’s advisable to incorporate more foods rich in nutrients such as calcium and protein to strengthen your kids’ teeth. Even if your kids don’t like healthy stuff such as vegetables, you can try fun recipes that will eventually attract them to try these healthy meals out.
#4 Take them for regular visits to the dentist
Consulting a dentist is another great way to teach your kids good dental hygiene. It can prove beneficial in your quest to instill good dental habits in your kids. These professionals are skilled in helping your kids feel at ease about seeing the dentist, ensuring they won’t fear their subsequent visits. If there’s a problem with your child’s teeth, your dentist can recommend appropriate remedies or provide your child with dental solutions like clear aligners that can help fix alignment issues. It would help if you also took your kids for regular dental checkups to ensure your kids’ teeth are always in good condition.
The Takeaway
Teaching the above habits will help your kids practice good oral hygiene, contributing to their overall dental hygiene and well-being. Be sure to explain to them the reasons for such care like trying to avoid cavities, root canals, braces, or even illness. Hopefully, they’ll absorb your lessons and implement the tips in their daily lives for years to come!
