It is essential to teach your kids good oral hygiene habits at an early age. As an adult, you most definitely know that maintaining good oral health is extremely important for maintaining overall health.
When good oral hygiene habits are not practiced daily, it can lead to multiple issues for your children, such as cavities, gingivitis, and even periodontal disease. Good habits help in preventing the buildup of tartar and plaque in your children’s gums and teeth. The sooner your child learns to brush effectively, the more likely it is that they can prevent serious oral health problems. We have curated a list of 4 ways to help you encourage your child to build great oral hygiene habits.
Imitation is your best weapon
One of the best forms of flattery is imitation. It is true that a lot of children observe and emulate their parents. In this case, if you let your daughter or son watch you floss and brush your teeth, it becomes effortless to provide your children with a hands-on demonstration to teach them good oral hygiene habits. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes in small circular motions. You can even keep a timer in place to show your child how long it takes to brush their teeth correctly. Let them also watch you floss your teeth.
A balanced diet is essential
It is often easy to forget the importance of a well-balanced diet for maintaining good oral health. Candy, ice cream, and other sweet snacks usually have a high amount of sugar that can cause oral problems for adults and children. Experts at Bluestonehillsdentistry.com recommend teaching your child the importance of having high fiber foods and low sugar foods. Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, leading to cavities and even tooth loss. Promoting healthy eating habits from an early age will help you keep your child consistent with a good diet.
Offer rewards
Rewarding your child for practicing good oral hygiene can go a long way in establishing the habit. You can start small with rewards. For example, reward your child after they brush and floss regularly for a whole week. After they achieve this milestone, you can keep increasing the duration of time for giving out rewards. Think of positive reinforcement such as gold stickers, TV time, or a day out.
Combine the power of play
Playtime is crucial for children. Why not get creative and combine playtime with brushing and flossing the teeth? You can use multiple games to get your child interested in practicing good oral hygiene habits. You can even use the power of music and singing to get your child excited for their daily brushing time. Use sing-along songs so that your child enjoys their activity.
You must teach your child good oral hygiene at an early age. The earlier they learn, the more likely they are consistent with their practice and have healthy gums and teeth later on in their lives.
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