Tips to Help Your Children Care for Their Teeth

The habits established during childhood stay with us through adulthood, so it is important to establish a proper oral hygiene routine for your children and promote healthy habits while they are young. Many children experience tooth decay, and while cavities may not seem like a problem in baby teeth that will fall out, the reality is that unhealthy children’s teeth negatively impacts adult teeth development, oral development, and language development. With simple tips to help your children care for their teeth, establish healthy habits for your kids early in life.

Give Them the Tools They Need

Allow your children to pick out their very own child’s toothbrush and toothpaste so they feel involved in the dental care process. This also adds an element of excitement and reward. Children should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head size appropriate for the size of their mouth. They should also use a fluoridated children’s toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.

Get Them Excited About Oral Hygiene

When learning a new routine, children respond well to positive reinforcement. Help your children learn how to care for their teeth and gums by making dental hygiene fun. Make your child’s oral care routine more exciting by implementing a reward system or incorporate a game into their regime. When children associate taking care of their teeth with positive feelings and experiences, they are more likely to follow through with these habits rather than dread them as chores.

Lead By Example

Whether they realize it or not, your children look to you as an example and guide for life. Want to teach your kids how to care for their teeth? Lead them by example! Make sure they see you brushing your teeth with care, flossing daily, and opting for healthy snacks.

Eat Healthfully as a Family

Diet plays a significant role in the health of our teeth and gums, so promote healthy eating in your household. Processed sugary and starchy foods wreak the most havoc on our teeth, so only eat these in moderation with your family.