Having a child is truly a wonderful joy: we get to teach another (albeit smaller) human how to live, grow, and love in a world that can be unpredictable. From introducing them to pancakes to helping them brush their teeth for the first time, the world of childcare has elements of blissful chaos that are the envy of many adults. However, many parents wonder when the appropriate time is to start introducing the concept of dental hygiene and healthy eating to their children.
If you have a child and their baby teeth have grown in, you may be wondering if it’s appropriate to get them to start brushing their teeth and thinking about dental hygiene. It’s never too early to start, even if they only have one tooth, because many children learn bad habits early and pay the consequences. In fact, more than 40% of children have dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten.
In this brief article, we’ll go over how to teach your children healthy dental habits in easy, constructive ways. By creating positive correlations with healthy habits, you’ll reinforce the good things while preventing the bad. Not everything has to be a battle between you and your child, you can simply mold their life toward a positive outcome.
One of the easiest ways to avoid negative trips to the dentist is by teaching your children about healthy eating. There’s no need to get too complex in teaching them about carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins or minerals but you can certainly give them a rundown of the basics. For example, telling them that candy is bad for your teeth when you eat too much is a good way to get them to self-moderate with candy.
Teaching them about healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetable snacks, can also allow them to eat whenever they’re hungry while avoiding cavities and excessive weight gain. They may even be able to tell their dentist about their healthy habits and get a good little boost from the dentist confirming that they’re on their way to great dental health.
A great way to get children invested in their own dental care is to allow them to choose their very own toothbrushes and floss. When it’s their choice and is the correct color, style, and length, children are more invested in using it. Floss may be a bit trickier to get, but with some fun activities and routines, they can also get the hang of trying it out. A bonus is that many children’s dental floss also comes in great flavors such as watermelon that many adults don’t get! When brushing your teeth is that fun, it truly is “dentistry for kids.”
When you’re thinking about dentistry for kids, perhaps one of the most important and integral choices you will ever make will be choosing a quality child dentist. This can seem daunting at first, or maybe even hopeless if you live in a more rural area, but rest assured that it can be done. When you establish a positive correlation between your child going to the dentist and receiving care plus dental hygiene tips, they will be on their way to improved oral health.
As you browse for kid’s dental care online or in your local classifieds, pay attention to reviews that are verified by real parents. Many parents also take dentistry for kids seriously and will gladly let other adults know if they’ve had a positive or negative experience. Just because a dental office is decorated in kid’s colors or has toys does not mean the dentist is competent or treats their patients well, which is why you want to pay attention and do your own research.
However, most pediatric dentists enter this profession for a reason: they enjoy helping children learn about oral care and establishing dental tips for life. Much of dentistry for kids is full of these types of positive dentists that sincerely want the best for your child! Contact Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center if you’re looking for an experienced and fun kid’s dentist in your area.
