You always want the best health for your child, but sometimes that isn’t an easy goal to fulfil. They push away food you know is good for them, they refuse to go to bed when you ask them to, and they don’t like brushing their teeth. For Children’s Dental Health Month, your dentist in Gahanna wants to make the path to proper oral care easier.
That’s why they’re prepared to offer several tips to get your children on the right track. With these in mind, you’ll have a better chance of making oral care a habit for your loved ones.
Use Books and TV Shows to Educate Them on Oral Care
Many cartoons and children’s books cater specifically to oral care and health, so visit your local book store or see if your child’s favorite TV show has an episode focusing on oral care. This will make it easier for your child to understand once you start teaching them oral care yourself. The most important step you can take is establishing good habits at a young age.
Teach Them the Health Risks of Poor Oral Health
Once you’ve introduced them to good oral care habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily once they have two teeth that touch, you can start explaining why these habits are important. Frame the concept of cavities in a way that makes them a villain that must be defeated. Getting creative will be bit easier after you’ve watched their favorite show or read a book they enjoyed.
Let Them Choose Their Own Supplies
When visiting the store, head to the pharmacy or oral care section. Look for toothbrushes that are small enough to fit their hands and mouths. Pick out a toothpaste that has a fruity flavor or their favorite character on it. Once you’ve picked out a few options, let them decide the product they like most.
Lead by Example in the Bathroom
Once you’re back home, start brushing your own teeth first and have them watch you. Make note of the way your brushing and how important it is to reach all the corners of the mouth. Set a timer for two minutes so they know how long to brush for.
Help Them Practice Technique
After you’ve showed them how you brush, get down on their level and help them brush their own teeth. After applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush, hold their hand as they brush. Use short, gentle, strokes back and forth on the front and tops of their teeth. Make sure they’re also holding their brush at a 45-degree angle, so the bristles reach all the surfaces of their teeth.
Teaching oral care to your child can be difficult at first, but with these tips in mind it should be much easier. For more advice, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Gahanna!
About the Practice
Dr. Brooke Buller proudly offers quality dental care for patients of all ages. Gahanna families can look forward to friendly, comfortable dentistry thanks to our experienced team. If you have any questions about children’s oral healthcare, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our website.