Five Tricks for Teaching Your Kids Better Dental Habits
It’s easy to see that kids live by the example set by their parents, so staying positive and upbeat about visiting the dentist is key to teaching your children the importance of regular cleanings and good overall oral hygiene for the rest of their lives. By maintaining a relaxed and calm demeanor when visiting the dentist yourself to encouraging daily dental habits amongst your children, you are sure to help them understand the importance of healthy teeth. Here are a few strategic tricks you can try to encourage lifelong dental well-being.
Show Them by Example
There’s really no better way to teach your child something than to do it yourself. Have your children see you brush your teeth every morning and evening, and make this a routine that can’t be broken. You may even want to let toddler-aged children help you brush your teeth. It’s really only fair, since you do it to them. Allow them to hold the toothbrush and direct them as they brush away at all your teeth.
Make it Fun
Use teeth-brushing time as a way to interact and have fun with your child. Tell a story and use the toothbrush, the toothpaste and even the plaque on teeth as the characters. Be creative and make up different scenarios each day and night so that your child looks forward to brushing their teeth and continuing the story.
Go High Tech
It’s pretty common knowledge that kids love electronic gadgets. One way to motivate them to brush their teeth a little better or a little longer is to invest in a good quality electronic toothbrush. It makes teeth brushing fun, fast and easy while also being gentle on kids’ sensitive teeth and gums.
Leverage Visual Aids
Visuals can be a huge help in encouraging kids to develop good oral hygiene habits. Show them pictures on the internet of plaque buildup and use plaque disclosing tablets or oral rinses to show them areas they may have missed during brushings. You can also ask the dentist to show your child some gruesome side effects of poor oral hygiene during their regular check-up.
Pass the Torch
As your child ages, it becomes necessary for you to pass the torch and let them take control of their own dental health. Around age five or six, most children are able to brush their teeth by themselves, but they may still need to be supervised until about age seven or eight. Help remind them by setting an alarm that goes off when it’s time to brush teeth, or setting a timer to make sure they brush long enough. Over time your child will begin to understand the importance of proper dental care. Lead by example and remember to set appointments for you and your children every six months. The dentist will help reinforce positive oral health for the whole family.
