We all want our kids to have bright and healthy smiles that last into adulthood. It’s widely understood that the way to achieve this is with proper brushing and flossing along with regular professional dental care.
Getting kids to cooperate may be difficult sometimes. Much like eating healthy or being careful on the playground, brushing their teeth is often a struggle. Because of this, a good number of children are not thoroughly cleaning their teeth, which inevitably results in decay.
The following tips can change the way your child looks at their home oral hygiene routine.
- Educate yourself and your child on the common causes of tooth decay. This can help you guide your child into making better food and drink choices. Sugar and simple carbohydrates, such as sugary sodas and fruit juices, sugar-coated cereals and candy increase the risk for cavities, so be sure to offer your child healthy snack alternatives and water to drink. Understanding the way sugar and other food debris cause tooth decay motivates your child to improve their dental health habits and illustrate the effects of poor home oral hygiene.
- Make brushing time fun, quality time. This is probably the best way to get your kids excited about their oral hygiene. Besides being able to monitor their technique, you are associating self-care with a positive habit that is likely to continue as they approach their teenage years and outgrow the need for this shadowing. Invest in a motorized toothbrush. This is fun for kids and effective at thoroughly cleaning teeth. Be sure they are able to navigate to the harder-to-reach back teeth. Include a fun-flavored anti-cavity fluoride rinse following each teeth-brushing as a means to strengthen teeth and combat cavities.
- Choose a dentist who sees plenty of children. A pediatric dentist has experience with all kinds of children and tends to be more adaptable to different personalities and challenges. A negative dental experience can prevent your child from following through with the recommended home dental care routine. Children’s dentists take the time to illustrate the best techniques and help engage the child in a dental dialogue. Many offer rewards for no cavity visits. It is highly recommended that you establish your own reward system for cavity-free appointments. Post a sign or note by the sink at home so they are reminded at brushing time.
Encouraging proper home dental care is about actively guiding your child, giving them healthy choices, and turning teeth-brushing into an activity that brings you closer together, rather than causing unnecessary stress. Contact Eastern Dental for more tips about children’s at-home hygiene!