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Taking good care of your child’s teeth from an early age helps establish healthy habits for life. Poor oral hygiene can result in infection, diseases, or other dental issues. And it will get worse as young adults, if oral hygiene in childhood is not promoted. Regular dentist visits are important, just search for dental implants Cornwall. Having unattended dental issues can also lead to physical discomfort, social stigma, reduced confidence, and a general incapacity to usually go about one’s everyday life.
Parents should clean their children’s teeth until they are confident they can do so on their own. However, the challenge increases as the kids grow, and parents are now expected to teach young children to be attentive to their dental health independently. Fortunately, teaching kids about maintaining good oral hygiene may be done in various engaging ways.
How to Teach Your Children About Proper Oral Hygiene
Find the Right Dentist
Choosing the right dentist is essential in instilling healthy oral hygiene in your kids. A great approach to motivate your kids to brush on their own is to have them show their dentist their work and get a thumbs up. If your mom gives you the OK, that’s one thing, but when someone in a white coat gives you the thumbs up, that’s a whole different deal.
The best dentists will also advise you on improving oral health between appointments. Your dentist should work to ease any anxieties your children may have about going to the dentist.
The top dentists in the United States have received lots of positive online reviews or been awarded America’s Best Dentists plaque. To locate the most outstanding dentists in the United Kingdom, look for any Care Quality Commission (CQC) recognition and symbols.
For those in Australia, the best place to start looking for a dentist is the Australian Dental Association’s Find-a-Dentist database. You can also check the clinic’s location and hours of operation from their website. Australian dental clinics like Skygate Dental is open weekends to cater root canal therapy, tooth extraction, dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, emergency treatment, and more.
Pick the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The first step in teaching your child basic dental hygiene is picking the right toothbrushes and toothpaste. It’s likely that your preferred brand has a line of products marketed specifically for children. The toothbrush needs to be small enough for a kid’s mouth and has gentle enough bristles for them to use. The grip should be just the right size for your kid’s hand.
It’s also a good idea to let young children pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste when you take them shopping. Your kid probably wants a fun toothbrush with bright colors. You can also use a brush with a cartoon design. If you want to make it fun for your kids to clean their teeth, a fun toothbrush is a great tool.
Brush Your Teeth Together
Brushing your child’s teeth twice daily is a great first step in teaching them to do it themselves, says this dentist who does quality dental implants in Chattanooga. Help them understand by having them observe you clean your teeth and then answering their questions about the process.
It’s more enjoyable to brush your teeth as a family. Have your child imitate your brushing technique to learn the proper way to brush while having fun. Your kids will have a positive impression of the activity. Do not use threats or punishments to convince your kids to brush their teeth.
Allow them a little time to become used to the routine before you keep challenging them. Use the adults as role models and instruct them gently. As a result of the encouragement, they will look forward to brushing their teeth.
Introduce the Plaque Monsters
To prevent cavities and gum disease, both caused by plaque, it is important to brush away the “Plaque Monsters” every day. Think about some creative ways to explain this to them.
Instead of scaring your kids about plaque, try telling them that bacteria like playing on their teeth after each meal and that these bacteria can cause damage to their teeth. If they use their toothbrush to ward off the plaque monsters, they become a hero who saves their teeth.
The plaque monster might be a hit with some kids, but it might not be with yours. Create your own mini-superhero tale in which your youngster uses their toothbrush to defeat plaque and save their teeth.
In addition to reminding them to brush and rinse twice a day, you should emphasize the significance of flossing every day, as plaque monsters love to lurk in the gaps of teeth, on the back of the tongue, and elsewhere. The hero may use floss as a weapon against the disease monsters.
Play A Song
Kids may find brushing their teeth more enjoyable if they are taught the routine while listening to their favorite tunes. As they brush their teeth, they can groove to the music. It will be more fun for everyone if you join in the dance with your children.
Two minutes is the recommended time for kids to brush their teeth. Your youngsters won’t even notice they’re brushing their teeth if you put on fun music to accompany the routine. Add some context by using music with a dental hygiene theme.
You can also use familiar tunes and get creative with lyrics to get your kids excited about brushing their teeth. The outcome will justify the imaginative effort.
Conclusion
Children’s dental health is vital whether they are teething, have all their permanent teeth in, or have yet to sprout. We hope the tips we’ve provided will help you raise a child who’s conscious about oral hygiene for healthy teeth.
