29 Mar Dental Hygiene for Kids

It is never too early to encourage proper oral hygiene for your kids. In fact, the earlier, the better. Not only will this allow your child to grow up with a dazzling smile, but also with healthy habits that will last a lifetime and continue to benefit them. So, so what can you do to ensure that your child is on the right track when it comes to dental hygiene?

1. Add Some Fun

It is no surprise that kids are drawn to colorful things and their favorite cartoon characters, so next time you are out shopping for supplies, pick up a soft-bristled, colorful toothbrush or one that has your kid’s favorite cartoon character such as Pikachu or Dora the Explorer.

2. Brush and Floss The Right Way

Brushing and flossing are incredibly important when it comes to maintaining your child’s dental hygiene routine. However, using the correct techniques for both is even more important.

To brush your child’s teeth:

• Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums then move it back and forth in a gentle manner.
• Brush all surfaces of the teeth properly (inner, outer, chewing)
• Scrape the tongue to get rid of any bacteria buildup.

To floss your child’s teeth:

• Cut around 18″ of floss string.
• Wrap one end around your one middle finger and the remaining around the other middle finger.
• Grip the floss firmly in between the forefingers and the thumbs then slowly push it between the teeth.
• Twist the floss in a C shape, then gently move the string up and down while still holding it against the tooth
• Cover all the areas, including the back of the teeth.

You can make twice-a-day brushing a fun goal for your child by hanging up a reward or star sheet on your bathroom door. Each time your kid brushes at night and in the morning have him put a sticker on the sheet. After summing up the total stars, give your name and child a reward (preferably not something teeth-damaging, such as chocolates or sodas).

3. Ensure Regular Dental Checkups

Regardless of how thorough you are with child’s dental hygiene, you will still need a professional to make sure that there aren’t any potential problems stirring up in your child’s mouth. Regular dental visits are a must for a healthy mouth. Unfortunately, visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience for kids. One way of making a dental visit less scary is to opt for a pediatric dentist who is good with kids, and whose waiting room is filled with fun toys. You could also make your child more comfortable with visiting the dentist is by giving them a special stuffed animal or a toy who accompanies only during dental checkups. This will make your child look forward to visiting their dentist since they will see it as a chance to meet their favorite toys at the same time.

Lastly, be a good role model. Children, especially teens, will definitely notice if you are walking the walk or just talking the talk. For this reason, it is important to focus on your dental hygiene as well. This will go a long way in ensuring that your entire family steers clear of any dental pain and disease, as well as maintains a bright and healthy smile.