How Can Parents Effectively Teach Their Children Proper Oral Health?

Proper oral health should begin at an early age. While many kids resist brushing their teeth, you can act as an example for your child. Consider these four ways of teaching your child about good oral health habits. Starting now will help your child to have healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Begin Dental Hygiene at a Young Age

As soon as your child starts teething, start a dental hygiene routine. Use a finger brush to clean your child's first tooth. While your child grows and gets more teeth, continue brushing with a soft-bristled brush twice per day. This will get your child used to oral hygiene routines. You can also start to explain healthy food and drink choices and how they affect teeth.

Brushing and Flossing Together

Make oral hygiene time a good bonding time between you and your child. Brush your teeth at the same time, allowing your child to have a turn on his or her own teeth. You can then touch up the back teeth and other spots your child may have missed. Professionals, like those at Silverado Family Dental, know that most young kids need some help with flossing, too. Try handheld flossers if a long string of dental floss is too difficult to manage in your child's small mouth.

Choose Child-friendly Dental Products

Allow your child to choose his or her own toothbrush. A fun character brush may be more motivating to your child. Kids can also pick their own toothpaste. There are fun flavors such as bubblegum or strawberry that appeal to kids more than a harsh minty flavor does. Kids could also try a fluoridated mouth rinse for protection against dental decay.

Go to the Dentist

Going to the dentist every six months or more frequently is key to your child's oral health. The dentist can show your child how the teeth grow and why good oral health during childhood is important. The dentist can also detect minor problems before they become major issues. Going to the dentist also gives your child the opportunity to ask any questions about oral health.

Good oral hygiene habits start at home. Regular visits to the dentist can help to detect any areas of the mouth that your child need improvement. Your child's dentist can also offer services such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments for further protection against decay. Allowing your child to choose a flavor of toothpaste and a style of toothbrush will help to make oral hygiene at home more fun.

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter @RachelleWilber