Children who start good dental habits from a young age are more likely to continue these into adulthood. Encouraging your kids to practice proper oral hygiene is critical to their development of lifelong healthy habits. So if you want your child to maintain good oral health throughout their life, here are a few ways to instill these habits from a young age.
Take the Lead
Until they’re old enough to brush themselves, usually around the age of 8, you should take the lead in brushing their teeth. Even before your baby starts teething, you can start cleaning their oral cavity after each feeding with a cloth, which will clear away bacteria and get them used to the sensations in their mouth. Then once their first tooth erupts around the age of 2, you can start brushing their teeth daily. By the age of 3, you should start being more consistent so that they learn how important it is to brush daily. You can also start using fluoride and train them to swish and spit. If you’ve never brushed a child’s teeth before, talk to your dentist about the right techniques for proper care.
Set a Good Example
As kids grow, they learn behaviours from their parents. That’s why you should first learn how to properly take care of your own teeth and then start brushing and flossing alongside your kids every night. When they see you practicing good habits, they will follow suit.
Make it Fun
If your kids enjoy cleaning their teeth, they’ll look more forward to doing it. To make the experience more fun and less of a chore, try adding music and creating a “toothbrushing dance” that they can brush along too. If they still resist, there are also a number of fun apps for kids you can try that teach proper techniques while encouraging them to brush.
Reward Them
Encouraging your child and praising them for a job well done can go a long way in their development. To get them motivated, create a checklist, and place it on display in the bathroom to keep track of their progress. At the end of the week if they’ve stuck to it and completed all the items each day, reward them for their success.
Take Them to the Dentist Regularly
Kids who start seeing a dentist at an early age suffer less from dental anxiety compared to those who start later. They also have healthier teeth, fewer cavities, and a brighter smile. You should start taking your kids to the dentist as soon as their teeth emerge and then as often as your dentist recommends. Want more tips and tricks to help your children brush and floss daily? Our Carlingwood Dental office is always here to help. Contact us today.
