Posted on July 5, 2023
Kids typically don’t worry too much about their oral health. That’s why parents need to take an active role in teaching their children about oral health so they can develop proper habits. Teaching your kids about good oral hygiene may eliminate the need for them to get braces or even help them live with braces better.
Some kids don’t like brushing their teeth because they find it to be bothersome and even boring. You’ll have a hard time turning brushing into a truly enjoyable activity, but you can at least make it more fun. To do that, allow your child to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. They may be more receptive to brushing if their toothpaste has a more pleasing flavor and their toothbrush features their favorite characters.
Telling your child how to brush their teeth and showing them how to brush their teeth are completely different. In most cases, the latter is more effective. Take the time to show your kid proper brushing strokes and remind them not to swallow the toothpaste. Keep monitoring your child’s brushing sessions until they have the proper technique down.
As much as possible, you should try to brush at the same time as your child. This will help because you can make the activity more enjoyable. The two of you can spend this time talking or making jokes while brushing. It can be a bonding experience that also reinforces the importance of brushing in your child’s mind.
You can bring your child to the dentist for their first check-up when they turn a year old. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should already have their first orthodontic exam by age seven. Try your best to meet those timelines so you can stay on top of your child’s dental health.
Scheduling dentist visits every six months is also highly recommended. A child’s teeth may develop quickly and you need to know what’s going on. If your child needs braces, you can learn about that early on if they go in for frequent dentist visits. Going to all of these visits will also help your child understand just how important they are.
The oral hygiene habits your child develops can stay with them for a long time. Help them develop the habits that may eliminate the need for braces and other dental treatments by following the tips we detailed here. Give us a call today for more information or to schedule an appointment with us.