They say kids are the best students. Your kids will look up to you and follow in your footsteps until adulthood. Good dental habits go a long way in preventing serious issues in the future, such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth, broken teeth, and many more. As soon as your child pops out the first tooth, it’s essential to instill the following dental habits for lifelong healthy teeth.
Brush and floss daily
Like adults, kids should brush and floss teeth twice a day to keep the cavities at bay. Teach your children the right brushing and flossing techniques. You could make it fun by playing songs as they brush to ensure they take their time to brush and floss their teeth, preferably two minutes. Make it a habit to help them brush and floss daily during the morning and evening after meals. As your child grows, they will learn to incorporate these two activities into their schedules, even in your absence.
Take them to the dentist regularly
Your children should see a dentist at least twice per year for dental check-ups. These check-ups don’t necessarily mean that your kids’ teeth have an impending problem. However, the check-ups are part of the preventative practices that keep dental issues at bay. Experts recommend taking your child to see a dentist for the first time anywhere between six months and a year old, right after the first tooth erupts. Choose a good pediatric dentist for your child to make these dental visits smoother.
Teeth aren’t tools
Kids are notorious for shoving almost anything into their mouths. Discourage your kids from chewing and crushing hard objects such as hard candies and ice using their teeth. Some of these items may force teeth out of alignment and even cause cracks. While your child may be used to having pacifiers or teething rings lingering in the mouth, break the habit as your child grows to avoid causing long-term damages.
Eating healthy
Good diet and nutrition are not only good for your body but also for your teeth. Healthy food keeps the bacteria at bay and protects the integrity of your teeth. Encourage your kids to eat fruits, vegetables, and proteins that add value to the teeth. Discourage constant intake of sodas and candies that have high sugar content. Instead, incorporate milk and water into their meals. Remind them to brush and floss their teeth after meals to prevent bacteria build-up.
Caring isn’t sharing
Teach your child that a toothbrush is personal and shouldn’t be shared. Cavities, bacteria, and other dental diseases can be contagious. It’s important to ensure that your child understands that they can’t share a toothbrush with anyone. The sooner you instill these good dental habits and lessons, the easier it gets to prevent certain problems in your home.
One last lesson entails teaching your kids that dental care is fun. It’s not a chore. If you’ve been looking for a dentist to help you take care of your family’s dental health, call us at Mountain View Dental. Schedule an appointment with the experts, and we will show you the way.
