Dental hygiene is a habit that people need to perform consistently throughout their life in order to have healthy teeth. We all know that we need to start this happen early with children but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Here are some tips to help teach your children the importance of good oral hygiene.
By learning how to brush and floss properly and regularly at an early age, children are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene through their lives. Make sure to teach your child how long to brush (use a little timer if they don’t have an electric toothbrush) so they don’t consider a 5 second swipe of a toothbrush a job well done. Also, go over places in the teeth that food can hide, the importance of brushing all sides of the teeth, and how to floss between the teeth and in the gums.
Parents can also help children develop good habits by leading by example. If children see their parents brushing and flossing regularly as well as making regular dental checkups, they are more likely to follow the example.
Although parents probably play the most influential role in helping their children develop good oral hygiene habits, there are other people that can help children develop these habits. One of those resources is pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists are not only specially trained to work with kids but are also educated in child psychology methods. Many pediatric dentists can explain oral hygiene in a simple, non-threatening way that children can understand. Taking your son or daughter for regular visits to a pediatric specialist can help in preventing cavities and other tooth decay.
The toothbrush and toothpaste industry also have had a hand in promoting children’s oral health. Today, they create children’s toothbrushes that include a song playing device that indicate to children how long they need to brush for. They also make special toothpastes that make brushing a more enjoyable, kid-friendly experience.
Teaching children good oral care habits at a young age also helps prevent cavities. Unless taught, most children don’t understand proper brushing and flossing procedures. As a result, these children often miss spots when brushing and flossing. This can result in tooth decay in their early years.
Although children’s primary teeth do eventually fall out, it is still important to care for those teeth. Those teeth still play an important role in the child’s life, helping him or her talk and eat. By taking the steps to teach children good oral hygiene, parents can help their children avoid cavities and fillings. This not only helps the parent’s pocketbook but also prevents the child from having to undergo a cavity filling procedure.
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