As your child begins to grow and develop, it is important to instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to help them develop healthy dental habits. Here are some tips on how you can help your child develop healthy dental habits.
10 tips to help your child develop healthy dental habits
1. Start Dental Care When They’re Young
It’s important to start dental care as early as possible. You should take your child for their first dental appointment when they turn one year old or within six months after their first tooth erupts. This will help your child get used to the dentist and establish a good relationship with them.
It’s also important to bring your child to the dentist regularly so that any potential problems can be caught early and treated accordingly.
2. Help Them Choose the Right Toothpaste
There are many different kinds of toothpaste available on the market, and it can be confusing to try to figure out which one is right for your child. You should always look for toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval.
This means that the toothpaste is effective at fighting cavities and plaque build-up. For children under two years old, you should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrushes.
For children over two years old, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a peanut-sized amount. However, always make sure that your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing and doesn’t swallow it.
3. Assist Them with Brushing and Flossing
The process of brushing and flossing can be difficult for children, especially if they are young. Therefore, you should help your child brush their teeth until they can do it effectively on their own, which is typically around age six or seven. This will help ensure they are doing it properly and not missing any spots.
Moreover, when you are helping your child brush their teeth, make sure that you use gentle circular motions and that you reach all areas of the mouth, including the back teeth. It’s also important to ensure that your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing.
As your child gets older, you can teach them how to floss their teeth. Flossing is important because it helps remove plaque and food particles from in between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
4. Set a Good Example
One of the best ways to help your child develop healthy dental habits is to set a good example yourself. For example, if you brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis, your child will be more likely to do the same. You should also let your child see you visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings so that they know that dental visits are important.
5. Reward Them for Good Dental Habits
A great way to encourage your child to develop healthy dental habits is to reward them when they do something good. For example, you could let them pick out a new toothbrush or toothpaste when they brush their teeth without being asked.
You could also take them to their favourite restaurant after a dentist visit if they cooperated well. Whatever you do, make sure that the rewards are something that your child will be excited about so that they will be motivated to keep up their good dental habits.
6. Limit Sugary Drinks and Foods
Sugary drinks and foods are one of the main culprits when it comes to cavities. The sugar in these drinks and foods can cause tooth decay by feeding the bacteria in your mouth that produce acids. These acids then break down your tooth enamel, causing cavities.
It’s important to limit sugary drinks and foods in your child’s diet to help protect their teeth from cavities. Water should be the main drink of choice for your child, with sugary beverages only being consumed occasionally.
When it comes to food, what your child eats plays a big role in their oral health. You should encourage your child to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting sugary snacks and desserts. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, and fibre that are all good for the teeth and gums.
7. Visit the Dentist Regularly
It’s important to take your child to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. During a dental visit, the dentist will check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. They will also clean your child’s teeth so that they are free of plaque and tartar build-up.
Dental visits are typically recommended every six months. Still, your child’s dentist may recommend more or less frequent visits depending on their individual needs.
8. Encourage Them to Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help remove plaque and bacteria from your child’s mouth, and it’s a great way to keep their breath fresh. You should encourage your child to use mouthwash, but you should make sure that they spit it out after using it. You should also avoid giving your child mouthwash that contains alcohol because it can be harmful if swallowed.
9. Teach Them About Oral Hygiene
It’s important to teach your child about the importance of oral hygiene so that they understand why they should brush and floss their teeth. You can do this by reading them books about dental health or showing them videos about proper dental care.
If you make learning about oral hygiene fun, your child will be more likely to remember the information and put it into practice.
10. Talk to Your Dentist About Sealants
When your child reaches the age of 6, their permanent molars will start to erupt. These teeth are at a higher risk of cavities because they have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces. Sealants can help protect these teeth from cavities by filling in these grooves and pits so that plaque and bacteria cannot collect there and cause decay.
Dental Sealants are a clear or white plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are safe, painless, and effective in preventing cavities.
Bottomline
Developing healthy dental habits in your child is important for their overall health and wellbeing. By following these tips, you can help your child develop good dental habits that will last a lifetime.
What’s more, you can start today to instill good dental habits in your child. If you haven’t yet taken your child for their first dental appointment, you can schedule an appointment right away.
And even if you’ve taken your child to the dentist before, but it’s been more than 6 months since your last visit to the dentist with your child, a professional dentist in Mississauga can help you examine your child’s teeth and get their dental health back on track.