If you’re a parent, you naturally want to do everything you can to set your child up for lifelong success, and this includes establishing healthy habits. Helping your kids establish great dental hygiene routines at an early age will help them have bright, healthy smiles when they’re adults, but it can be difficult to show them the importance of dental hygiene.
Our dentist here at Smile Cove Pediatric Dental wants to assist you and your child in your journey toward excellent oral health, so this blog will cover a few practical tips for parents. Consider implementing the following ideas to encourage your child to care for their dental hygiene.
- Try to make brushing enjoyable. It’s hard to get a toddler to focus on any task for two minutes, especially when it involves cleaning! To make your child’s everyday dental hygiene routine a little more fun, let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste, have them brush along to a favorite song, or create a sticker chart to track each time they successfully brush their teeth.
- Limit sugar. The more sugary juices and treats your child has, the higher their risk for cavities. Encourage more whole foods and water in their diet instead.
- Set a positive example. Your child primarily learns by watching people around them. Teach them the proper way to gently brush their teeth and help them floss until they get the hang of it on their own.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. Ideally, you should bring your child in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday or when their first tooth starts coming in. As your child grows, a dentist will be able to spot any potential issues and make treatment plans before a problem becomes more severe.