If your child has successfully had his or her first dental checkup, you may now be trying to help your child understand the importance of creating good oral hygiene habits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular care is key because tooth decay is now one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood, with 20% of children between the ages of five and 11, having at least one untreated decayed tooth. It can lead to pain and infections, and may cause problems with eating, speaking, playing, learning and normal teeth development.
Encouraging Good Dental Health Habits
You can fight these statistics by making sure– as soon as your child starts getting teeth– he or she is brushing at least twice a day. And we know it can be difficult to develop these important habits, so we have some tips for you to try to encourage regular brushing:
- Play some fun music while your kids brush their teeth
- Use a toothbrush featuring a favorite cartoon character
- Have your kids brush their teeth together rather one by one
- Buy a timer and set it for 90 seconds, the minimum amount of time your children should brush their teeth
- Let them make up a dance to do while brushing their teeth
- Give your child a small toothbrush and have them practice by brushing the teeth of a doll or stuffed animal
It’s also important for you to lead by example. Let your child watch as you brush your teeth, or have him or her brush with you. We can also provide you with information to help your child learn the importance of brushing on a regular basis.
Another way to support good dental health is through proper nutrition. Too much sugar from candy or soda can lead to unhealthy conditions such as obesity or diabetes – and also tooth decay. Consider offering children healthier snack options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat yogurt or cheese. Minimizing eating between meals can also help.
Working together can help your child understand why good oral hygiene habits are important now, and for the rest of his or her life.