It’s important to teach your children good habits, especially when it comes to oral hygiene. You need to instruct your children to take just as much care of their baby teeth as their adult teeth, as neglect can cause all sorts of problems. But a healthy smile is well worth the effort.
How Young Children can Develop Better Oral Hygiene
Better oral hygiene isn’t just about telling your child what to do; it’s about motivating your children to do it themselves. Here are 9 ways you can quickly teach great habits to your kid.
1. Teach Your Child How to Brush Properly
There are several brushing dos and don’ts, which can make it difficult for your child to get the hang of it. Be sure to teach them to use short strokes in an up and down motion. Make sure they reach their gums, brush their tongue, spit out their toothpaste, and rinse out their mouth.
2. Supervise Your Child While They Brush
Not only should you watch your child to ensure they’re brushing properly, but you should check if they’re swallowing toothpaste. Swallowing a small amount isn’t a cause for alarm, but too much can increase fluoride levels in your blood and cause nausea, tummy aches, and vomiting.
3. Show Them How to Floss Their Teeth
Approximately 70% of adults don’t floss their teeth, but everyone should floss daily. If you don’t, plaque will build up in between teeth and along the gum line. There are plenty of colorful floss picks your child can use, but if you or your child needs help, make a dentist appointment.
4. Take Your Kids for Regular Dental Visits
Children are more prone to dental cavities because they consume more sugar and acidic foods than the rest of the population. If you live in Australia, you can get private dentist insurance by comparing plans from iSelect. Unfortunately, Americans typically have to pay out of pocket.
5. Set a Timer or Song That Lasts 2 Minutes
Ask your child to brush their teeth 2 times a day at first, once when they wake up and once when they go to bed, for 2 minutes per session. You can purchase singing toothbrushes that play a 2-minute song, or you can search YouTube or Spotify for “teeth brushing” music.
6. Use Fluoride Toothpaste After Age 3
Most children under 3 aren’t at risk for tooth decay and shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste unless your dentist tells you otherwise. If they’re at risk, apply a rice-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled brush. Between ages 3 and 6, you should only use a green pea size amount.
7. Change Their Toothbrush Regularly
An old toothbrush isn’t as effective at removing calculus (tartar) and plaque from your teeth, so replace it every 3 months. However, since children are more likely to brush hard, chew, or suck on their toothbrush, you may need to replace it as soon as the bristles are flat or splayed.
8. Drink Water and Limit Sugar Intake
What your children eat can impact their oral health and teeth. Acidic and sugary foods can build up bacteria that cause decay or enamel erosion. However, water can decrease plaque build-up because a dry mouth could cause bacteria to fester. Encourage your child to drink lots of water.
9. Teach Your Children How to Use Their Teeth
Children may use their teeth to break, tear, or open things that aren’t food. If you catch your child chewing on hard objects, ask them to stop and explain what that habit can do to their teeth. If your child starts grinding their teeth, take them to the dentist for a mouth guard.
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