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A lot of parents struggle when it comes to teaching oral hygiene to children. Most little ones fear the dentist. They are also too lazy to brush their teeth. Not to mention, they eat a lot of sugary treats and other foods that can contribute to tooth decay.
If you are one of the many parents who are having a hard time teaching good dental habits to their kids, we got you! We’ll be sharing some tips that are sure to make things easier for you.
5 Tricks to Help Little Ones Acquire Good Dental Habits
Raising a child is not easy. From the introduction of sensory play to weaning, parents have a lot on their plate. Another thing that you should focus on is the formation of good oral hygiene, which is possible by doing the things mentioned below.
1. Bring Them to the Dentist Early
It is common for kids to have dental fear and anxiety. At a young age, they do not understand the need to do so. It is often difficult for parents to make them realize that such is a must. You will find it easier for children to love dentists if you start early. This way, they will acquire a habit and when they grow older, they will already be used to the feeling and not be scared.
When you start giving baby teethers, it is a sign that you need to visit the dentist soon. Teething happens around the fourth to the sixth month of the infant. This is the point when their first tooth erupts. Once their tooth is visible, it is time to book a dental appointment.
During the first dental visit, a full examination will be done. The dentist will also give you tips on how to ensure your child will grow up with healthy teeth. After this, make it a habit to go back to the dentist every six months. If this is done early on, there is a lesser tendency that children will fear their succeeding visits as they turn older.
2. Make Toothbrushing a Fun Activity
A lot of parents can surely relate to how difficult it is to ask children to brush their teeth. They can make up all kinds of excuses. The best solution is to make it a fun activity, something that they will look forward to.
Parental supervised brushing is a must, at least until kids turn seven years old. It is easier to encourage them to brush their teeth when you do it with them. This can also be a good bonding activity.
Picking the right toothbrush is crucial. According to Dentaly, you must choose one with a small head, big handle, and good grip. Soft bristles are also must-haves, which will prevent gum irritation. The design also matters. We recommend picking a colorful toothbrush with the kid’s favorite characters. Also, turn on his or her favorite music to make the activity more fun. You can even dance while toothbrushing to make the activity more engaging.
3. Use Books and Videos
Every parent would know that children have a limited attention span. It is almost impossible to talk to them about something without losing their focus. So, when you are teaching them things that they need to know about their dental health, it is unsurprising that you will quickly lose them at one point.
The best way to keep the young ones engaged is to use books and videos that tackle dental health. Specifically, look for books with colorful characters that they will recognize. Even videos should have fun characters and music that will make kids more attentive. This way, you will be making the most of their screen time.
Look for books and videos that tackle what dental visits are like, which will make children familiar with the would-be experience. They should also talk about the right way to brush, the best foods to eat, and other stuff that will be beneficial to their oral health.
4. Watch What They Eat
The development of good dental habits in children is directly related to their diet. It can be tempting to give in to their demands when it comes to what they want to eat, but you need to discipline them. Give them treats occasionally, but for the most part, make sure that they have a healthy diet, including foods that are good for their teeth.
Sugar is the number one enemy. Candies and chocolates will make them happy, but in excess, they will contribute to tooth decay, especially if you are not paying attention to their oral hygiene.
Fruits and vegetables are on the top of the list of foods that are good for their dental health. Always have them available at home for the times that you want to give them guilt-free snacks. Food and drinks high in calcium are also must-haves, which will be instrumental in strengthening their teeth.
5. Lead by Example
In case you haven’t realized yet, your kids look up to you—big time! Being a role model is always an effective strategy if you want your child to do something or be someone you want. Even in dental health, leading by example is a must. So, if you want them to develop good oral hygiene, show them that it is something that you prioritize as well.
For instance, if they see you brushing your teeth twice a day, they will most likely pick up the habit until they grow up. More so, you should show them that you are not scared of a dentist so that they would not be afraid as well. Most importantly, eat a healthy diet. This can be difficult, but for kids to love nutritious foods, they must see that you love them as well.
Conclusion
From bringing your kid to the dentist at an early age to leading by example, this post talked about the best strategies for helping the little ones acquire good dental habits. With a proactive approach, you will be instrumental in raising healthy kids with a confident smile!
- This article was written by Chelsea Smith
