How to Teach Good Dental Habits to Your Kids
Posted on: 19 March 2021
As an adult, you know how important it is to brush and floss daily and visit the dentist regularly for checkups. However, passing these healthy habits onto your kids is not always easy. Here are some tips to help you get across to your kids the importance of caring for their dental health.
1. Set a Good Example
It is important that your kids see you brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist so that they accept these behaviours as a normal part of everyday life. When your kids are young, you can set a good example by brushing your teeth right before or right after you help them to clean theirs. Even when kids are older, some parents like to keep "family brushing time" so they can keep an eye on their kids' brushing habits.
2. Brush Up Your Technique
To avoid passing any bad habits onto your kids, it is important to ensure that you use the correct brushing technique. Dentists recommend holding the brush at an angle to the gum and moving the toothbrush head in small circles to remove plaque from the front of the tooth. Repeat this process on the backs of the teeth, and then clean the chewing surfaces of the molars. Be careful not to press too hard or you could make the gums sore.
If you use an electric toothbrush, there is no need to make the circular motion necessary with a manual brush, as the toothbrush head rotates to sweep away plaque. All you need to do is hold the bristles against the teeth and move it along to ensure that all teeth get cleaned. Most electric toothbrushes have a timer to help you check that you are brushing for long enough every day.
3. Choose a Child-Friendly Dentist
All kids should have regular dental checkups to ensure that their teeth are developing correctly and are free from decay. For many kids, dental appointments are intimidating experiences. However, a good family or children's dentist can help to put kids at their ease and make the experience much more positive.
Before signing your kids up with a dentist, visit the dental practice to see if it is a child-friendly environment. Are there toys to keep kids entertained? Try to meet the dentist before your child's first appointment so you can decide if they are someone your child is likely to respond well to.
Reach out to a local dentist to learn more.
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