Proper oral hygiene habits are a crucial part of maintaining good overall health, and it’s best for people to develop a suitable dental cleaning regimen as soon as possible. However, kids aren’t known for being especially excited about learning how to keep their teeth and gums in great shape. Here’s a quick guide to a few great ways to help your child understand the importance of good oral habits and learn to take excellent care of their teeth.
Explain Oral Hygiene in a Way They Can Understand
While it’s important for children to learn how to brush their teeth on their own in early childhood, it can be difficult for kids to understand concepts like long-term consequences, oral infections, and how dental problems can affect their self-esteem. Thankfully, you can simplify these ideas by presenting them as a children’s story. For example, you can tell your child that their teeth are surrounded by evil monsters that feed on the sugar found in sweets, and the only way for them to fight these vile beasts is to brush and floss every day.
Model Excellent Oral Hygiene
Children learn many of their habits by observing and emulating the adults in their lives, so brushing and flossing alongside your kid can help them understand how to clean their teeth properly. Be sure to explain how they should brush their teeth with soft, circular strokes using a little bit of toothpaste and let them watch how you do so. You should also be sure to show them how to floss without pushing too deep into their gum tissue.
Reward Oral Hygiene Progress
It takes a while to develop an excellent habit, and adopting a proper daily regimen of brushing and flossing is quite an achievement for a child. When your kid shows you they can be trusted to brush and floss on their own every day or if their pediatric dentist says their mouth is especially clean after a checkup, consider giving them a small treat or extra playtime.
Your child’s oral hygiene habits will play a massive role in their overall health throughout their life. Consulting with your pediatric dentist can help you understand how to help your child learn to take care of their teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Jim Bowden earned his dental degree at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed orthodontic specialty training at the UT Dental School in Houston. He is also proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. His office in El Paso offers pediatric dentistry as well as orthodontic services for kids and adults. To schedule your child’s next dental checkup, contact his staff online or dial (915) 585-6373.