How to Make Good Dental Hygiene Fun for Your Kids
Before an infant can even talk they learn how teeth affect the comfort of their gums. Children quickly learn through teething to enjoy new flavors and textures of food. Besides learning the joy of food, having a bright smile as a child influences the way others perceive them and helps them gain confidence.
When children are too young to take care of their own teeth it falls upon the parents to make sure they implement oral hygiene for them. However, when they become old enough to take care of their own teeth is when learning good habits can make or break the future of their smile.
How to Promote Kids Healthy Teeth Before They Can Brush and Floss on Their Own
Saliva is filled with harmful bacteria. But since an infant can’t care for their gums by themselves, it is good practice to wipe your child’s gums with a soft cloth after they eat and before bedtime. When your infants baby teeth start to come in you should start brushing with a soft children’s brush, with a small drop of non-fluoridated toothpaste. To maximize cleaning, use gentle circular motions.
As your kids get older you can start to introduce flossing to their dental routine. Be sure to use gentle back and forth motions to loosen any debris. Be aware that your child's gums may bleed, so make this something they understand. That way they will not be frightened when it happens.
Early Dental Visits
Baby teeth are the initial set of teeth that save the place for adult teeth. To ensure that your child's teeth are growing properly, bring them to our office between the ages of six months and a year. Depending on how and when your child's teeth start to come in. Our staff will show your child the proper brushing and flossing techniques, which will enhance their ability to do both on their own at home.
Once your child is old enough to brush their teeth without swallowing the toothpaste you can introduce them to fluoridated toothpastes. Regular dental visit will help your child feel at ease at a dental office from an early age. This will help them avoid developing dental anxiety later in life.
At Home Dental Care for Kids
Children love doing things that make them feel “grown up.” They watch and mimic the things that parents do. This includes how well you care for your own teeth. Make sure they see you taking proper care of your oral health and they will follow suite. Kids also love to have fun. Here are some fun ways to help your child build healthy oral habits:
- Anytime you or your child brushes their teeth it should be for at least two minutes. Pick a song that they can play, so that when the song is over, they’ll know that they have brushed for the appropriate amount of time
- Let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Having the help of Spongebob Squarepants may be just the trick to getting them to brush
- Make a goal chart and reward them with things like toys or a movie when they reach specific goals
- Have family brushing time
These few tips and guidelines are a great way to start kids on the path of having a healthy mouth. The younger they develop proper habits the better chance that they will have at having a set of pearly whites in the future. And having a good set of choppers will lead to more smiling. Who doesn't want more smiling in their life?