Did you know that kids do not really like brushing their teeth every day? This is because children are busy learning, playing, and becoming independent. However, oral health in children should start early, and the best way to do this is by teaching them early.
Children should be in the habit of a morning and bedtime routine. Make sure to do it every day until it becomes natural for them. Many parents concern themselves whether or not their children are getting the proper basics for good oral hygiene. Keep in mind that oral health is essential to one’s overall health. It is never too early for our kids to start learning good dental habits.
Here are some great tips for all parents:
NUTRITION
You should know what foods your kids’ eat. The drinks and foods our kids consume are just as important as any dental care can be. The amount of sugars found in drinks and foods specifically marketed towards kids is astounding, even the ones labeled “healthy”.
THUMB-SUCKING
For some children, especially the younger ones, the issue of thumbsucking can be quite problematic. Studies show that prolonged occurrences of thumbsucking after the age of three can negatively affect a child’s oral health. Overtime, the formation of the structure of the teeth and jaw can be altered and affected by having an object consistently and routinely placed in the oral activity. If your young one is a thumb-sucker, there is really nothing to fear, but you do not want this habit to persist after your child turns three years old.
REGULAR DENTAL VISITS
Consistently visiting your dentist is also a major benefit to your kids’ dental health. While brushing and flossing regularly is a great dental habit, there is no getting around regular visits to the dentist. If you do not take your kids to the dentist every six months for the regular dental checkups, you are potentially instilling in them that oral health is not important. Kids who do not go to the dentist regularly tend to have more cavities than children who do. It is essential to teach your kids the importance of oral health before their adult teeth come in. Remember, that set will be their last and that needs to last them a lifetime!
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
At the end of the day, your habits should serve as the example for your family. While oral health might not be a top priority in a family’s daily routine, these tips can still make a huge difference.
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are in need of reliable dentists who can take care of you and your family’s oral health, then we are just one call (or click) away. We hope to hear from you soon!
