As a parent, you’re surely aware of how important it is to teach your child good habits. From focusing on their schoolwork to developing healthy eating habits, the lessons and values you teach your kids will shape their futures. Oral hygiene is important for both children and adults, but teaching your child about oral hygiene while they’re young can help them to develop healthy habits as adults. In today’s post, we’ll review four easy and fun ways you can help your child to understand the importance of oral hygiene. Gentle Care Dentists offers family dental care, cosmetic dentistry, and many other dental services in Arlington. Call us at 703-650-0850 or get in touch with us through our website today to schedule an appointment!
Children rarely enjoy brushing their teeth, but you can make their tooth-brushing sessions a bit more fun by allowing them to choose a toothbrush that they like. Try looking for toothbrushes that feature characters from your child’s favorite television shows, or help them find a toothbrush in their favorite color. While quality should always be a concern, the majority of the products offered by major toothbrush manufacturers are approved for children.
Set a Timer
It’s recommended that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, but this can feel like an eternity to your child. Playing one of your child’s favorite songs while they brush their teeth may help the time to pass more quickly, making the daily rituals a bit less tedious for your child. Being in the bathroom with your child will also provide you with the opportunity to correct any mistakes he or she is making while brushing.
Reward Your Child
One of the best ways that you can motivate your child to practice good oral hygiene is by rewarding them. Of course, we don’t recommend sugary treats, but rewarding your child with a new toy or activity can provide them with the motivation they need to brush their teeth regularly. The type of reward system you choose should vary according to your child, but many parents and studies have found that small, consistent rewards are the most effective.
Set a Good Example
Children learn by example, and one of the best ways that you can teach your children good oral hygiene is by practicing it yourself! Brush your teeth at least twice each day, and make sure that you floss regularly. Flossing is an aspect of oral hygiene that most Americans struggle with, and it’s important to ensure that your child begins flossing at an early age. If you’re not sure of how to teach your child to floss, just ask one of our friendly dentists for help! Our dentists have helped hundreds of families in Arlington improve their oral hygiene with our Top Rated Local® family dental care.
We hope that these tips will help your child to understand the importance of good oral hygiene. If you would like to learn more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our dentists at 703-650-0850 ! Our dental clinic can provide you and your children with the best family dental care in Arlington!