Children are notorious for skipping their brushing routine unless their parents reinforce it. To make matters simple, it’s important that parents learn about the most effective ways to teach good dental behavior to their children. For this reason, we’ve identified some parenting hacks to raising kids with good oral habits that can ne use to teach their children about dental care and why it’s essential for their overall wellbeing.
Creating a Dental Schedule for Your Child
Familiarizing yourself with your child’s smile milestones is a great way to identify when you should be taking your child to see the dentist. Below, we list these milestones so you can stick to a consistent schedule:
Pre-teeth dental care:
During the first six months of a child’s life, a parent should focus on providing their child with a healthy diet since their teeth are still developing in their gums.
First teeth dental care:
Once your child’s teeth come in, it’s time to start making trips to a pediatric dentist. During these visits, you’ll be able to develop a schedule and monitor your child’s tooth development. It is recommended to visit your pediatric dentist every six months.
Permanent teeth dental care:
Permanent teeth in children start to appear at the age of 6 and last till the age of 11. Combined with their six-month dental check-ups, your child should be brushing their teeth at this stage.
Keep Extra Supplies Around the House
In order to maintain healthy oral care, it’s important that you have the right supplies for upkeep and that you don’t run out. This includes keeping extra floss, toothbrushes, and any other necessary supplies handy so that your child never has an excuse not to maintain their dental routine. These parenting hacks to raising kids with good oral habits can help the child have more confident.
Teach Good Dental Habits
Once your child has reached the permanent teeth stage, it’s time for them to maintain a healthy dental routine. To help ensure consistency, it’s necessary to monitor their independent dental care and ensure they’re properly brushing.
Read further to identify ways to help educate your child about oral care.
Use educational TV shows and books
Connect with your child on the importance of dental care by showing them illustrative and captivating educational content that explains the value of oral health and how to brush properly.
Create a dental chart
Get creative with a dental chart that uses cut out pictures and instructions from magazines on all steps involved in dental care. Review this chart with your child and post it near the sink as a reminder of what steps are needed to be followed and in what order.
Lead by example
Make brushing teeth a fun experience by brushing your teeth with your child while they brush theirs. This will encourage your child to be like their parent and brush their teeth, too!
Show and tell
Taking a moment to explain to your child the health risks associated with neglected teeth and gums can set in the reality of dental care and its importance. It is recommended to consult with your pediatric dentist to determine when your child should begin flossing.
Teach proper techniques
Brushing is only effective when it’s done properly. Walk your child through the correct steps of teeth brushing and don’t forget to explain that brushing too vigorously can wear down enamel.
Got questions? Ask North Pointe Dental Associates
If you’re a parent and have questions about finding the right pediatrician for your child, feel free to ask North Pointe Dental Associates. We have terrific pediatricians to recommend that can help you navigate a child’s dental care. Give us a call, today!
