By teaching your child the proper oral hygiene techniques, you give them the necessary tools to maintain a beautiful smile for a lifetime. Bringing your child in for their biannual check-ups and making sure they have an adequate at-home dental care routine are two essential steps you can take to ensure their oral health. In addition to the two actions listed above, here are four tips you can add to your child’s care to help their teeth.
Brush Time! Fun Time!
Children may resist daily dental hygiene routines because they find them boring. You can make oral care fun by selecting flavored toothpaste that they enjoy. There are also entertaining dental tools such song-singing or light up toothbrushes to make a child’s brush time experience positive. It is vital that your child brushes for at least two minutes. Give them an easy to remember song to sing as they clean their teeth to help the time pass.
A Treat is Neat!
For stubborn children, providing an incentive can entice them into doing their necessary routine. While you do not have to reward them with a sugary treat, offer a fun activity in exchange to positively reinforce habits that maintain their teeth and gums. Setting up a reward system where children are empowered to brush teeth on their own and develop a proactive mindset influences them to continue doing so.
They are your Number One Fan!
Your children watch you closely and view you as their example. Show your child the importance of an effective daily oral hygiene routine, which consists of brushing twice a day and flossing, so they are likely to follow suit. After your child cleans their teeth and gums, check their smile for any missed spots.
Limit Sugar!
Your child’s diet directly affects their oral health. Parents should watch how much sugar their child consumes, as sugary sweets can accelerate bacterial growth and lead to tooth decay. Also, make sure they brush their teeth after drinking acidic juices and sodas.
If you would like more tips on how to maintain your child’s oral health, contact Dr. David A. Boone at Eastern Dental. Our Grand Rapids dental team wants to keep children’s smiles beautiful.