Teaching Your Child Good Oral Habits From an Early Age

As your child grows, they learn most things that will affect them when they are older. Good memories form key parts of the personality of your children once they age. Teaching them important things and making them memorable will shape how they live and care for themselves. It is especially true for dental hygiene.

Dental hygiene is essential not only for children’s oral health but also for their overall health. Scientists have found links between oral health and other health issues. Teaching your child how to care for their dental hygiene is also a great way to instill diligence that can spill over to other aspects of life.

What Dental Habits Do You Teach Your Children

• Brushing and Flossing

The first oral hygiene habit you should teach your child is the holy grail of dental care: brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of personal dental care. Regular brushing and flossing schedules are linked with much lower chances of dental and oral issues. It is the most effective way to keep cavities and gum disease away.

It is best to ensure you teach your children how to brush properly. You should teach them all the effective techniques to reach as many of their teeth as possible. Flossing is also a crucial part of dental care. While this may be a bit difficult at first, your child will learn to do it independently with care and persistence.

• Diet

Another key aspect of dental care is diet. It would be good if your child understood how diet plays a part in their teeth and mouth health. By teaching them early on, they will carry the knowledge with them, letting them make more informed decisions. Let them understand that a healthy diet is good for their teeth, mind, and body.

How Do You Teach Your Child Good Oral Habits?

Make It Fun

Using fun to teach your child good oral habits can make learning about oral hygiene more engaging and enjoyable. Here are a few ways to make oral care fun for children:

• Make Brushing and Flossing a Game

Children often respond well to games and challenges, so try turning brushing and flossing into a game. For example, you can play a song for two minutes and have your child brush their teeth until the song ends.

• Get Them Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Children often feel more invested in oral hygiene when they have personal toothbrushes and toothpaste. You can let them pick a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or superhero.

• Use Rewards

Creating a reward system for your child can motivate them to develop good oral habits. For example, give them a sticker or a small prize for brushing and flossing their teeth daily.

• Use Educational Materials

Many phone apps and online resources can make learning about oral hygiene fun for children. For example, interactive brushing and flossing games and educational videos can help children learn about oral hygiene.

For more on teaching your child good oral habits from an early age, visit Reaves Dental at our office in New Hartford, New York. Call (315) 736-0139 to book an appointment today.