Oral hygiene is so important. If you don’t look after your teeth, cavities, gingivitis, and more severe gum disease can occur, leading to painful toothaches and even tooth loss. You already know this, and you (hopefully!) brush your teeth twice a day and visit the dentist regularly. When it comes to your kids, though, dental care can be an uphill battle. Here is a guide to help you get your kids to look after their teeth.
Let Your Kids Choose Their Toothbrush
There are so many child-friendly toothbrushes available now, with many featuring characters from popular films and TV shows. Allowing your child to choose their own toothbrush from the store will be a great way to get them more invested in brushing. They’ll feel grown up and mature if you let them make their own choice, and they won’t want to disappoint their favorite characters!
Make Brushing Fun
An easy way to get your children to brush their teeth properly twice a day is to make brushing into a fun game. If you’re aiming for two minutes of brushing, sing their favorite song while they brush to make it more enjoyable. Alternatively, set a countdown timer and see if they can balance on one leg for the whole two minutes of brushing.
Anything that can make brushing the teeth more fun will get your kids more engaged with the process.
Explain Dental Hygiene Carefully
Children respond well to honesty, so take some time to explain to your children why they need to brush their teeth. If they brush their teeth properly, they’ll get rid of the bacteria living in their mouths—just don’t make it too gruesome if your kids are afraid of germs! If you struggle to get the point across, then asking your choice of professional at a Trusted family dentistry in Richfield (or indeed elsewhere) to do it can be a great way to create appeal to authority. By letting your children understand it’s for the best, they’ll begin to reinforce it as a healthy habit as they grow up.
Choose the Right Dentist
It’s thought that 12% of children are afraid of going to the dentist, and it’s no wonder! With the loud noises of suction machines and drills, plus the unnerving sensation of someone putting their hands into your mouth, trips to the dentist can be overwhelming and unsettling.
Choosing a dentist that knows how to deal with kids, and nervous kids in particular, is a good way to reduce any anxiety that comes from a trip to the dentist. Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry at bafdentistry.com is a great choice if you live in Asheville, NC, and their family-focused practice will put your children’s minds at ease.
Try Plaque-Disclosing Tablets
Plaque-discovering tablets are chewable tablets that show any plaque on your teeth in a bright color. Have your child brush their teeth as normal and then give them one of the tablets to chew. Any brightly colored areas will reveal any spots they’ve missed when brushing. These tablets allow children to easily visualize exactly where they need to brush—and they’re fun to use, too.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is an essential mineral for dental health. Talk to your dentist and see what fluoride toothpaste is recommended for your children (the recommended amount depends on their age), and follow their directions carefully. You could also have your kids use a fluoride mouthwash at different times of day to give their teeth a fluoride boost.
Teaching your children to take care of their teeth is such an important part of parenting. Talk to your dentist and see what else you should be doing to practice better oral hygiene with your children.
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