Establishing a strong oral healthcare routine early, including regular visits to your dentist, will positively effect your child's oral health throughout their life. Our Langley children's dentists share some ideas for how to help make oral health fun for you and your child.
When you help children to take good care of their teeth, you instil habits that will last them all their lives. It would be unreasonable to expect young children to create their own effective dental care routine. You need to guild them and help them learn and establish good habits. The sooner you get them started, the sooner good oral health practices will become routine.
Brushing & Flossing For Kids
Both children and adults should at least brush twice a day - in the morning and before bedtime. As soon as your child's first tooth appears it's time to begin brushing. Once they have two teeth side by side, you can begin flossing. Once your child can brush and floss for themselves, you can let them take over the job.
Teach even young children about cavities and gum disease. Explain how flossing and brushing prevent cavities by helping to keep plaque under control.
Visiting The Dentist Early
Take your child to visit the dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth comes in. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with their teeth and get them used to attending regular appointments. Make visiting the dentist a fun experience for your child
A dental exam every six months will let your child's dentist catch small problems early. If your drinking water isn't fluoridated, ask your dentist if fluoride treatments would be appropriate for your child.
Ideas For Making Oral Health Fun
Help your kids to keep their smile healthy by making dental hygiene fun. Here are a few ideas to help keep your child excited about good oral care.
- Take them shopping with you and let them pick out proper dental care tools. Shop for brushes, floss, tongue scrapers, and more.
- If they enjoy a certain television character, find out if the character has a special on oral health. They might enjoy watching the show and take away a lesson at the end of it.
- Books area also a great way to introduce the concepts of teeth brushing and flossing, as well as getting them comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist. Visit your local library or bookstore to see what they have on the shelf.
- Create a sticker chart for brushing and flossing. When your children brush and floss, they can place a sticker on the chart.
- Make brushing and flossing a family activity. By brushing together, you can set a good example and also that they are brushing well enough and long enough.
- Surprise your child after a dental appointment with some fun family time, or a reward for good behaviour, but be sure to steer clear of using sugary treats as rewards.