As a parent, you’re already teaching your child healthy habits. You teach your child to eat their fruits and veggies. And you let your kid play outside to get their exercise in. You may think these are the most vital health teachings that kids must know. However, you’re forgetting one crucial thing: oral hygiene.
Oral health is essential to overall health. And since 13% of children have untreated dental caries, it becomes more vital to instill a dental care routine at a young age. That said, you may check out this dentist in pasadena to get tips that will help your child observe better dental hygiene. If you’re struggling to teach your child the importance of routine dental care, read these 4 tips to get started!
- Play Tooth Brushing Games
There’s a reason why kids don’t brush their teeth — it’s boring. They would rather spend those two minutes watching TV or playing with toys.
But we all know brushing is essential to a daily dental care routine. You can easily combat their boredom with tooth brushing games. Your kids will not only have fun but will quickly learn some excellent brushing habits.
Where do you find tooth brushing games? Sesame Street has many excellent suggestions. There are also loads of games available on YouTube. You can also come up with your own. For example, come up with a game where your child is the dentist and they’re brushing a patient’s teeth.
- Brush and Floss With Your Child
Brushing and flossing with your child not only gets you to remember your own basic dental care routine, but it helps set an example for your children. If you prefer brushing your teeth when you first wake up or right before you go to bed, there’s nothing wrong with getting a few extra brushing and flossing sessions in.
- Create a Reward System
Positive reinforcement is key to teaching your child valuable life lessons. When it’s time to brush and floss, give your child a reward for good work. This will teach your kids that when you brush your teeth, good things happen.
Many parents create a goodie basket filled with inexpensive toys and gifts. You can also buy more expensive gifts and give them for special occasions, such as when your child visits the pediatric dentist in San Jose.
If you’re on a tight budget, create a chart and put stickers on the chart when your child brushes and flosses.
- Give Your Child Healthy Meals and Snacks
Oral care goes beyond brushing and flossing. “You are what you eat,” as the saying goes. That’s why your meals and snacks should all be tooth-healthy. Avoid sugary snacks and desserts. Baby carrots, celery, strawberries, and apples are all great snacks to stick in your child’s lunchbox.
Some of your child’s favorite foods may also be great for their teeth. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are great examples. Dairy not only strengthens your bones but also your teeth, protecting precious tooth enamel. Be sure to include dairy in all of their meals.
Create the Best Dental Care Routine
As a parent, it’s vital to teach your child about the importance of dental hygiene. Start by creating a dental care routine. Use these tips to ensure your child brushes and flosses daily and has loads of fun doing so!
Continue reading our blog for more health tips.
