Good dental health starts as soon as we start getting teeth, which for most people is somewhere between a few months old and about a year. This means that it really is a lifelong process, and good oral hygiene really does need to start in childhood.
As any parent will tell you, however, knowing what’s best and convincing kids to do it are two very different things. So here are a few ways you can teach your children about good oral hygiene and brushing their teeth.
Model Good Oral Hygiene Yourself
Kids tend to want to do anything their parents or even older siblings do, and brushing their teeth is no different. So, while you’re teaching your kids about oral hygiene, let them watch you brushing your teeth, flossing, and taking care of your teeth and gums.
Try a Song
One of the big benefits of living in the modern age is that there’s always an educational song available on a streaming service. Find a song about brushing teeth and oral hygiene and learn it with your children. Then, when it’s time to brush their teeth, you can sing the song to them.
Kid Appropriate Dental Tools
When it comes to brushing their teeth, kids and adults have slightly different needs. Children’s toothpaste tends to have a milder flavor than grown-up toothpaste, and their toothbrushes are much smaller. That makes a lot of sense because children’s mouths are smaller! Choosing the appropriate dental products will help to encourage good oral hygiene.
There are even musical or light-up brushes on the market that will tell your child how long they should be brushing
A Child-Friendly Dentist
Even if your children don’t have cavities or problems with their teeth, it’s important to start taking them to the dentist as early as possible. Most children should be going to the dentist for regular checkups from the age of about two or three. This will help not only to teach them about the importance of brushing their teeth and oral hygiene but also that their dentist is a friend who wants to help. That means if they do need to have any work done, it will be a lot easier for everyone!
Educational Videos or Books
Another great way to teach kids about brushing their teeth and oral hygiene before they need to visit your Lethbridge dentist is to watch educational videos about caring for teeth or to read books about going to the dentist.
Many children are afraid of things they don’t know or understand and watching and reading these kinds of resources will help to demystify the process for them.
Keep Trying
Many kids go through phases when they don’t want to brush their teeth, or they’re scared of the dentist. However, those things are so important to their oral hygiene, so keep trying. Once your child realizes that brushing teeth and flossing don’t hurt, they’ll be much more comfortable sitting still for the process. The same goes for visits to your dentist. If you have more questions about how you can help your kid learn about good oral hygiene, book an appointment with us today at 403-942-3733.