Debbie About 20% of children ages 5-11 have at least one untreated cavity/decayed tooth. When a decaying tooth is left untreated, it can quickly worsen and possibly spread to the root of the tooth and the gums. As a parent, it’s up to you to prevent cavities by teaching your child how to have great dental hygiene.
Teaching your child about good oral hygiene in their younger years is essential. The earlier they get into an oral care routine, the more likely they’ll be to stick with it.
Continue reading below to learn how to encourage your child to take great care of their teeth for good dental hygiene!
1. Let Them Pick Their Dental Supplies
Brushing and flossing isn’t always the most fun activity for little ones. It forces them to stop what they’re doing and spend a couple of minutes doing something less fun. A good way to make things a bit more interesting for them is to allow them to pick their own fun dental supplies.
You can find some of their favorite characters on toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss. Let them choose their own so they’ll be more willing to use them.
2. Brush and Floss Together
It’s never fun for your little one to stand in the bathroom alone brushing and flossing. When you stand over them making sure they’re doing it in the correct way, it can make it feel more like a chore. Instead, consider brushing and flossing together.
Make it something you do as a family. This way, you can ensure everything brushes and losses as needed and no one feels as though they’re missing out on something.
3. Play a Song While Brushing
For a proper brushing, your child should brush for two whole minutes, twice a day. Setting a timer is a good way to teach your child how long they need to brush for and provides them with guidance. Playing a two-minute-long song while they brush is a much more enjoyable way to get them to brush for the entire time.
You can search for children’s brushing songs online that are two minutes long and give your child something to dance along to while brushing. You can also play a favorite song or two of theirs and make sure to stop it at 2 minutes.
4. Schedule Dentist Visits Early
Your child should visit a pediatric dentist at an early age to get them used to going to the dentist on a regular basis. As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, you want to contact their dentist. Their family dentist can also give you some great tips for maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
It’s also beneficial to schedule their appointments early in the day after their tummies are full and they’re energized. This prevents a grumpy child due to hunger or being tired.
Your Child Can Have Good Dental Hygiene Too
As trying as it might be at times, it’s still possible for your child to have good dental hygiene. Read through each of these tips listed above to start creating the best dental hygiene routine for your child. With fun dental supplies and a song to brush along to, your child will enjoy brushing alongside you.
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