While it can be difficult for parents to teach their kids positive dental habits, it is essential to do so for improved oral hygiene. Inculcating dental habits in your kids from an earlier stage would make it easier for them to follow the process well into their adulthood. Therefore, below are some of the tried and tested tips that’ll help you to teach your kids important dental habits.
From Baby’s Teeth to Adult Teeth
Generally, kids start developing their teeth when they’re 4 to 7 months old. The first ones to arrive are normally the front teeth at the bottom, but they fully develop all their twenty milk teeth when they are 3 years old. As they grow older, kids start losing their teeth one by one starting from the age of 6 or 7, which is then replaced by new teeth.
Schedule a dental visit to check whether your kid has any dental problems that need to be fixed. Remember that prevention is better than cure. So, make time for regular dental check-ups. Some kids may also need braces, and during their teens or later, they will get their wisdom tooth, which may or may not be removed depending on how they grow in the mouth.
When Should Kids Start Brushing Their Teeth?
Dental cleaning should start even before their teeth appear as oral hygiene is an essential part of a healthy life. For infants, use a clean washcloth to wipe their gums gently. This will help reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
As your kid’s teeth start to grow, you can brush their teeth (gently) by using an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. By the age of 3, most children’s teeth are fully developed, so they can follow the general routine of brushing twice a day.
Tips to Boost Your Kids Build Positive Dental Habits
1. Maintain a proper routine
Once children develop all their teeth, managing the oral routine is important; right from getting them to brush their teeth two times a day to teaching them the right way of brushing and flossing. You can also set up a schedule, which will make it easier for them to imbibe these habits.
2. Get them a special toothbrush
Children often like it when things are colorful, fun, and exciting. So getting them a special toothbrush will likely make them enjoy the routine of brushing their teeth daily. Also, make sure that the toothpaste you use does not have a high dose of fluoride, as it could harm your child’s teeth.
3. Adequate calcium intake
Calcium is the ultimate solution for stronger teeth and bones. As it strengthens the enamel of the tooth, you need to make sure that your kid has a balanced intake of calcium through foods like green leafy vegetables, green peas, and dairy products. This will help them maintain a strong set of teeth.
4. Sharing videos and books with them on dental habits
To make sure your kids know how to brush and floss properly, you could share videos or even books to give them a clear visual idea. Books and videos could also teach them some unique and safe dental habits that will further help enhance their oral health.
5. Rewards
Motivation is important at every step of life, so why ignore it when it comes to brushing? Your approach, when it comes to teaching your kids important dental habits, should be positive, friendly, and non-threatening. Also, rewarding them with little stars or points can help make the whole routine more fun and engaging.
6. Limiting sugar intake
Sugar is the foremost reason for cavities. Check here how it is more important for kids positive dental habits at home. Limiting the intake of sugar in the form of candies, sugary soda, and fruit juices is important to prevent damage to your kid’s teeth. You can explain to your children how sugary foods like chocolates and candies affect their teeth and how can they prevent them. Apart from sugary foods, limiting junk foods is also essential to improve your child’s oral as well as general health.
7. Do the routine together
Make brushing teeth a fun activity by doing it together. Kids always look up to their parents and older siblings to learn good habits. So, be the role model for your child and it’s sure to pay off in the future. You could include some fun activities or even prepare a song for the routine to make it more interesting. This will not only bring happiness to their faces but would also make them eagerly wait for this routine each day. You could even play the two-minute challenge with them, which is the ideal time for brushing your teeth.
8. Timely Dental appointments
Your baby’s first dental appointment should be when he/she turns 1 year old. This helps the dentist detect any problems that may arise in the future, which can be prevented. After the first visit, make sure to visit the dentist regularly at least twice a year.
Conclusion
Hope you could understand the importance of kids positive dental habit at home. Healthy dental habits incorporated during early childhood will remain with your kids throughout their life. A dental check-up every six months is important. Likewise, limiting your kid’s sugar intake and other junk food is also vital for good oral health. It is important to remember that good oral health plays a critical role in your child’s overall well-being. Thus, make the most of these tips and ensure that your kids maintain a proper oral hygiene routine.
