Today, nearly 26% of adults in the United States are suffering from tooth decay that has gone untreated. As a parent, you can keep this from happening to your kids. It stands to reason that you want them to grow up to be healthy and strong adults. You can help get them there when it comes to their dental health and wellness. Below are five inspiring tips that will help you create great dental health habits in your children.
Have you caught your child watching you while you perform tasks? Kids learn from watching and then mimicking you. When children see their parents taking good care of their teeth, they will copy them and do the same.
Pediatric dentists recommend letting your kids observe you brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes and then flossing once a day. This will give them the perfect idea concerning healthy dental habits. Take it a step further too.
Show your kids how you brush and floss your teeth and then let them try to do it for themselves. Young kids may not have the ability to brush all of their teeth. You will still need to brush their teeth to ensure they are fully cleaned. By the time children reach the age of 8, they should have the ability to brush and floss without assistance.
Kids’ dental care needs to start before their first tooth shows. In order to get a baby used to dental care, start wiping their gums gently. This is the first step in familiarizing children with cleaning their mouths. Once teeth emerge, gently brush them with a tiny toothbrush. At-home dental care is just the first step. It is also an excellent idea to schedule a visit with pediatric dentists.
A children’s dentist knows how to make them comfortable and tends to have an enjoyable setting that encourages children to have fun while receiving dental care. It is important that children become familiar with their pediatric dentist, the dentist’s office, equipment, and someone examining their mouth. Schedule visits to see pediatric dentists before your child’s first birthday or 6 months after their first tooth erupts. This helps children get used to dental checkups on a regular basis, so they don’t question dental visits at all.
Does your child have trouble standing for the entire two minutes while brushing their teeth? This can be challenging for little ones. Let them take a seat while brushing their teeth. When kids are allowed to sit down while brushing their teeth it helps them stay focused and still.
Kids tend to stick to dental care routines if they are fun. Let them choose fun-shaped toothbrushes and high-end tech products. An electric toothbrush with a timer or one that plays music for two minutes is a great investment in your child’s dental health.
Brushing and flossing are part of dental care and so are making healthy food choices. Pediatric dentists believe it is crucial for children to eat healthy in order to maintain good dental health. It is recommended to start early when it comes to reducing starchy, sugary, and processed drinks and foods.
Instead serve wholesome foods with natural ingredients such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Encourage kids to drink water, not carbonated and sugary beverages. Teaching children to eat healthy when they are young tends to continue into adulthood.
Great dental experiences at a young age keep kids happy and healthy. Pediatric dentists provide compassionate and gentle dental care for kids. Schedule an appointment to get your child started in the right direction to create strong dental hygiene habits.
