Every parent wants the best for their kids, and the best should include a strong dental care plan. Simply stating the importance of oral hygiene is not enough. Parents need to have a plan in place and purposely work on creating healthy dental care habits. Intentions die a quick death when lives get hectic. It becomes easy to overlook a child’s oral hygiene until a problem arises. Today we will look at five tips to help establish healthy dental care habits in your children’s lives.
A healthy nutritious breakfast helps kids do well throughout the day. By packing in the protein early, cravings for sweets are reduced throughout the day. It is important to teach children how foods affect their bodies and which ones are empty calories versus those that fuel them.
Have conversations about the food they are eating. Point out how a healthy breakfast provides them with the energy they need throughout the day, whereas an easily grabbed sugary pastry will leave them hungry an hour later. Help them notice the differences in how they feel after eating different foods.
After breakfast and before bed, make a point to ask children if they have taken care of their teeth. Children should brush a minimum of twice a day with a soft bristle brush and floss in the evenings. Without constant reminders, they are likely to forget. Make it a habit early on.
Kids love to rush through brushing so they can get back to playing. It should take a full two minutes for them to brush their teeth. Use a fun timer or sing a song as they brush.
Help make brushing a habit. Get them involved in the process by letting them help pick out the toothbrush and toothpaste. Establish a schedule. Put up a chart, and let them put a sticker beside their name every time they brush and another when they floss.
Sugary foods and sodas stick to the teeth. Children who are just learning proper oral hygiene may not be able to remove the sticky substance properly. Replace candies with fruits. Substitute juice and soda with water. It will make cleaning teeth that much easier for them.
Every six months, children should see a dentist for cleanings and checkups. The more the child goes to the dentist, the more comfortable they will become. This is good for their oral care and will help prevent anxiety that is common when visiting the dentist.
Children learn by example. Do not just tell kids to brush and floss, show them that you do it too. Brush your teeth together, making it a morning and evening ritual. Eat healthy food and limit the sugar. Visit the dentist regularly.
Request an appointment here: http://dentistryinorovalley.com or call Dentistry In Oro Valley at (520) 833-5100 for an appointment in our Oro Valley office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
As a parent, it is your job to protect all aspects of your child’s health. A children’s dentist can help you establish good dental habits early on in life so your child can have optimal oral care, which can be a link to other parts of their health. This article will give three basic tips…
If you have not taken your child to a kid friendly dentist yet, now is the right time. Good oral health is critical to overall well-being. Children need a good foundation of sound dental habits, as these can last a lifetime. A kid friendly dentist has the knowledge and training to meet the most challenging…
Wondering why to choose a kid friendly dentist? A child's dental needs are going to differ from a parent's dental needs. This makes it a good idea for parents to find a dental professional who knows how to take care of a child's oral health. It is also a good idea because whenever questions arise…
A kid friendly dentist assists parents and their child through each step of teeth development, from the first emerging tooth to the removal of wisdom teeth if necessary during the teenage years. It is helpful for parents to learn more about dental milestones for chilren and how a kid friendly dentist can help with each…
A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.A…
As a parent, it is your job to protect all aspects of your child’s health. A children’s dentist can help you establish good dental habits early on in life so your child can have optimal oral care, which can be a link to other parts of their health. This article will give three basic tips…