A child’s journey through life is full of many new and exciting experiences. As they grow, they learn to walk, talk, and eventually run. But while all of these milestones are important, there is one that is often overlooked: oral health.
Just as a child needs strong bones and muscles to support their growing body, they also need healthy teeth and gums. And just as parents help their child take their first steps or say their first words, they can also lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. By instilling healthy habits at an early age, parents can help their child build a positive foundation for oral health that will last a lifetime.
As any parent knows, teaching your child good habits can pose as a challenge. But when it comes to oral health, it’s important to start early. Here are some of the best habits to teach your children!
Table of Contents
Routine Brushing
One of the most important things you can do for your child’s health is to teach them to brush their teeth. Although it may seem like a simple task, proper brushing technique is essential for preventing cavities and gum disease.
The first step is to choose the right toothbrush. For toddlers, a small, soft-bristled brush is best. You should also look for a toothbrush with a suction cup or other handle that will help your child keep a firm grip. Once you have the right brush, it’s time to teach your child how to use it. Start by showing them how to hold the brush and then demonstrate how to move it in gentle circular motions. It’s important to stress the importance of brushing all sides of each tooth, including the front, back, and top.
Finally, remind your child to use fluoride toothpaste and spit out the excess after brushing. With a little practice, your child will be on their way to a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits.
Enjoying Sugar in Moderation
As a parent, it’s important to educate your child about the dangers that sugar and other unhealthy foods can have on your child’s smile. Sugar is one of the leading causes of cavities (which children are more prone to develop), so it’s important to teach your child about enjoying sugar in moderation! Candy, soda, and other sugary treats should be reserved for special occasions, and even then, they should be consumed in sparingly.
In addition to sugar, acidic foods can also damage tooth enamel. Teach your child to limit their intake of citrus fruits and juices, as well as carbonated beverages. By educating your child about the importance of a healthy diet for their teeth, you can help them avoid cavities and other dental problems later on in life.
Educating Them
As kids get older, it’s important to educate them about their teeth and overall oral health. Awareness of different types of teeth, the sensations they feel, losing teeth, and sprouting new ones are all important factors in ensuring a child builds a healthy smile. Different feelings towards teeth can affect how we take care of them; for instance, some people may only brush the visible teeth in the front of the mouth. However, it’s important to know that all teeth need care in order to avoid gum disease and other problems later on.
Losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up, but it’s also important to take care of the adult teeth that come in afterwards. Regular visits with a pediatric dental professional are your child’s best bet in feeling confident and aware of their smile, nourishing them with knowledge along the way. Kids who are taught early on about the importance of taking care of their teeth are more likely to have healthier smiles as they grow older.
Follow the Leader
As a parent, you influence your kids in more ways than you might realize. When it comes to oral care, you play an important role in setting the tone for your kids’ habits. If you take good care of your smile, eat a smile-friendly foods, and live a healthy lifestyle- they’re likely to follow suit. However, if you’re negligent about your oral health, they’re likely to do the same as well.
Of course, you can’t control everything – but you can set a positive example by brushing and flossing regularly, especially doing so alongside them each night and morning!
Bottomline
Your children are sponges to the habits and lifestyles that surround them. Moreover, their sensitive smiles are prone to a plethora of potential problems as they develop. So, taking the initiative to guide them down the right path is the best approach any parent or guardian can take to set them up for success and a better quality of life in the future!
