Your child’s teeth and gums are an important part of their body. The healthcare habits they learn in their early life will last them their lifetime.
Keeping an eye on your kid’s teeth and gums is your responsibility in their early years. You need to teach them how to look after their mouth. Here are a few ideas that can help you.
Find a Family-Friendly Dentist
Going to the dentist can be intimidating and scary for a small child, so you need to take them to a dental practice that understands and is child friendly. Corn Market Dental is a dentist in Wimborne that is great with nervous patients regardless of age. A friendly and professional dental practice like this is the perfect place to introduce your child to toothcare.
Make Brushing Part of Their Routine
Your child’s teeth may grow out and be replaced by adult teeth as they age, but their gums must last their whole life. Regular brushing protects all areas of the mouth. Make sure you make brushing their teeth twice a day a part of your child’s routine. Make it a habit, not a chore.
Teach Them About Brushing and Flossing
The best way to get your child to take tooth brushing seriously is to teach them about it. Lead by example and show them how to brush their teeth and why they should do it regularly. Floss your teeth and show them what it does and why they will do it when they are older.
Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush
It is important that your children take ownership of their dental care and dental products. This will help them see it as a responsibility, not a task. Let them pick out their own toothbrush if it is suitable. Let them choose toothpaste too if they want, as long as they brush their teeth.
Get Them Off the Dummy Early
Most babies will have a dummy, and it can be a lifesaver in the early months of infancy as little else will pacify an upset baby. When your child’s teeth begin to grow, a dummy will affect how the teeth are positioned. When your child begins teething, stop using a dummy. This will help their teeth grow straight and be easier to brush.
Brush With Them
Be a dental care role model for your child by brushing your teeth while they brush theirs. Young children should never brush their teeth unsupervised. Make dental care an event, and brush with them in the bathroom. You may have to brush your teeth a little earlier at night, but it is worth it for the sake of your children’s health.
Help Them Maintain a Healthy Diet
There are lots of foods and drinks that are bad for your teeth. Sugar is the obvious one, and it is in more processed foods than we realise. Making healthier eating and drinking choices has lots of health benefits throughout the body, including our teeth and gums.
Keeping your kids healthy is an important responsibility. They need to know how to look after themselves in the future, and it is up to you to teach them. These tips should help you to do it.
