How To Teach Dental Health To Kids

Getting your kids into a good oral health routine at an early age is important. It is important not only for their independence, but to establish good habits that will last them throughout the rest of their lives. It can be tough to get kids to comply with an oral health routine, but it is certainly worth the effort. Below are some tips for teaching dental health to your kids.

Start Young

The fact is, you can never start too early. Even before their first tooth pops out, you can start gently brushing their gums and tongue and give them something to chew on when they start teething. It is also important to never put your baby to bed with a bottle of anything but water.

Proper Brushing Technique

Once their teeth are in, you have to start brushing immediately, twice a day, once in the morning, (After breakfast !) and once before bed. This routine will set the tone for the rest of their childhood, and hopefully, for the rest of their lives. Make sure that the toothbrush you are using is appropriately soft, and the toothpaste is delicate enough for their mouths. Use the small circular, or gentle up and down motion that you would use on your own teeth.

Flossing

As soon as your kids teeth are touching, it is time to start flossing. Flossing is not just an important part of oral health, but regular flossing has been proven to cut dental bills nearly in half. This will be good not only for your kids future oral health, it will make your financial life easier as well.

Invest in Sealants

Once your kids’ permanent molars start to come in, do them a massive favour and get them sealed. Permanent molars usually start to come in at around the age of six. Having their molars sealed will provide an added and important layer of protection that they will thank you for down the road.

Keep Their Dental Visits Regular

Another important part of instilling good dental habits in your kids is getting them used to going to the dentist on a semi-annual basis. Introducing the young patient to a dental setting that is free of fear- this can last a lifetime.

Good dental habits are part of your kids overall hygiene habits and skills that most parents want to instill in their children from an early age. If you are wondering how to go about getting your kids in the right habits, and the right frame of mind, keep these tips in mind to make sure you are raising happy, healthy, smiles.