6 Tips For Instilling Dental Health Habits In Your Kids

The habits you learn as a child follow you throughout life, becoming instinctual. Oral hygiene habits are essential to discover in developmental stages because of their holistic impact. Maintaining a healthy mouth can prevent future diseases.

There are various ways parents can instill good dental habits in their children. Biannual checkups, oral hygiene education, flossing fun, longer brush times, avoiding sugary drinks and toothbrush shopping can help kids value oral health.

1. Biannual Dental Appointments

Taking your kids to the dentist twice a year can create a concrete oral health routine. It may also familiarize them with the experience, reducing anxiety around dental visits. When you prioritize these appointments, you increase the health and strength of your children's teeth.

Biannual checkups help prevent gum diseases like gingivitis, catch early signs of illness, identify substance abuse and eating disorders, and explain how to maintain your gums and teeth between visits. As your kids get older, they may question your authority and the importance of brushing their teeth. Dentists can discuss oral health with them in an age-targeted manner for impactful results.

2. Oral Hygiene Education

Many children brush their teeth every day and fail to understand the impact. To maintain a healthy oral care routine, you must discuss the benefits with your kids.

You may sit your children down and educate them about the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth. Practicing healthy dental habits can prevent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, tooth erosion, mouth sores, tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and dental surgeries. Once they understand the significance of their actions, they will be more inclined to engage with them frequently.

3. Flossing Fun

Let's get real for a minute – flossing is not an enjoyable act. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can create color-coded floss schedules for your kids and reward them with prizes for maintaining their good habits. It is also helpful to provide them with easy, painless materials to make flossing more fun.

Waxed floss is an alternative to the traditional string that may slip and cause bleeding. When using the waxed version, you have more control which may aid children with limited motor skills. Dental companies also sell individual flossers in fun shapes and colors for kids. These may promote a greater interest in flossing than traditional materials.

4. Help Them Brush Longer

Children have an undeveloped perception of time. A minute may seem like a lifetime to a little one. It is important to supervise them during brushing to ensure they reach the 30-second mark.

You can also brush alongside your kids, especially toddlers, because they like to copy what their parents do. Matching toothbrush colors and foam build-up games can allow you to connect with your child while promoting longer brushing times.

Practice counting with your kids while they brush each tooth. When they scrub every tooth individually, they can count how many they have. This increases concentration and time spent brushing. You can further reward them for brushing each tooth in their mouth.

Parents may increase brushing appeal to promote long brush times by letting kids choose different kinds of toothpaste. Bringing electric toothbrushes into the mix can also increase a child's interest in oral health. When you expand a little one's brush time with games and rewards, you normalize the routine and create long-term healthy habits.

5. Avoid Sugary Drinks

Society places soda in the spotlight when it comes to the examination of sugar. Many parents avoid soda in their home, yet their kids still consume excessive amounts of sugar. Some of your little one's favorite beverages contain high counts of sugar.

Juice is the real culprit. Try to cut down your child's juice intake but only offering it once a day. Rather than watering down their juice to wean them off, get them used to drinking regular water.

You can play up water by taking your kid to the store to pick out a fun, reusable water bottle. Installing a carbonation system may also gain their interest in water consumption. After all, kids love bubbles.

Your little ones should also avoid lemonade consumption. This standard beverage contains nearly 25 grams of added sugar. Rather than banning this drink altogether, you can limit its viability to special occasions.

6. Toothbrush Shopping

Professionals recommend that you change your toothbrush every three months or so. As bristles bend and degrade, they have a more challenging time cleaning. To ensure that your kiddos receive the best oral care, let them pick out new brushes every few months.

When your child chooses their toothbrush, they may feel more inclined to use it. Kid brushes come in all different colors and styles to increase their appeal. Ensure that you bring your little one to a store with a kid-friendly toothbrush selection.

Repetition is Key

When it comes to instilling healthy habits in developing minds, constancy is essential. As you reinforce good behaviors every day, they will become ingrained in one's brain over time. Remember, like adults, children seek praise and approval. Make sure that you reward them for following healthy dental habits.