3 Tricks to Teach Your Kids About Proper Oral Health
As much as we love our little ones, sometimes getting them to do something is like (excuse the pun) pulling teeth. And when it comes to their health, whether that’s eating right or maintaining their teeth and gums, allowing our youngsters to do whatever they please is just not an option.
So what’s a parent to do?
Some parents allow their children’s oral health to slide, rationalizing it because they’ll soon lose all their baby teeth. But oral health is about more than just teeth; it’s about gums too – and gums stay with us for the long haul. Plus, allowing our kids to slack on brushing and flossing sets a bad example which often continues even after they get their adult teeth.
By setting good habits early, we can encourage our children to maintain healthy teeth and gums well into their adult lives.
Here are a few tips and tricks to encourage your child to get into a life-long habit of good dental health:
1. Be a good role model
‘Do as I say, not as I do’ unfortunately doesn’t work in real life. Instead, your child is much more likely to do as you do, or not do as you do, as the case may be.
Just because you brush, and floss (nudge, nudge), two to three times a day, doesn’t mean your child sees you do it. Instead of trying to explain that you do, try changing your schedule so that your child will actually see you brushing your teeth and flossing. If your children are old enough to brush their own teeth, try doing it together, as a family, as much as possible. This way they’ll be more inclined to mimic your behaviour!
2. Make it fun
Few people really enjoy brushing their teeth, and even fewer enjoy flossing. And that goes double for young kids.
Depending on how old your children are, there are ways to make those five minutes of brushing and flossing more fun:
Play a tooth brushing song (or video): For kids who still rely on a parent for their oral care, playing a fun, toothbrushing song can help hold their attention as you brush their teeth.
Make a game of it: If your kids are old enough to brush by themselves, make toothbrushing a competition! Challenge your kids to brush for two minutes, then chew on plaque discolouring tablet. The one with the fewest stains left on the tablet is the winner – and the rest have to get that brush back in their mouth. You can offer everything from a gold star, to the ability to choose what music or story they listen to before going to bed as a prize.
Enlist help: When brushing with mommy or daddy is boring, it might be time to ask for some help from ‘Flossy Flamingo,’ otherwise known as a hand puppet. Add in a funny voice, a couple of silly jokes, and you may find your child begins to look forward to a visit from their favourite pink friend!
3. Go Hi-Tech
Electric toothbrushes makes brushing your child’s teeth much faster while still offering more plaque-busting power than a normal toothbrush. Just make sure that if you take this route, you buy a toothbrush form a reliable brand – some electronic toothbrushes can cause more damage than a regular manual toothbrush. When in doubt, talk with your dentist.
The importance of starting early on good oral health
The earlier you start with flossing and brushing, the easier it will be to maintain the habit – keeping your child’s teeth and gums as healthy as can be. That goes for dentist visits as well! We recommend booking your child’s first visit to the dentist at around 12 months, or 6 months after that first baby tooth emerges. This way, we can help you maintain proper health for your child’s teeth and gums.
For more information, or to book an appointment for your child, contact us today!