Helping children care for their oral health can be a difficult task for any parent. Some children hate brushing, others rush through it, and then you have to worry about flossing too. What can parents do to make this routine easier for everyone? We constantly run into this question, and we have put together some of our favorite tips to make your kids oral health routine a little easier.
Tip # 1 – Brushing Teeth Together
Kids learn by example. Parents need to start teaching their children at a young age how to care for their teeth and gums. A great way to teach your kids how to brush is to brush your teeth with them. Every morning and night, you can stand together and brush your teeth while listening to a song or having a fun routine.
Tip # 2 – Fun Education
Kids love games and a great way to make brushing fun is by playing games. Colgate has some great apps and online games that help kids learn the importance of caring for their teeth and gums.
Tip # 3 – Listen to Music
Another great way to help kids get into the right routine with oral health is by listening to music. Try to have a song that it at least 2 minutes long to allow adequate brushing time. Children can become distracted by the song so they aren’t as focus on “how much longer” until they are done brushing.
Tip # 4 – Electric Toothbrush
Since it can be challenging for children to brush between the teeth and to clean out the deep fissures of the teeth, consider investing in a battery powered or electric toothbrush. These devices use a vibrating motion that helps to break up bacteria and plaque in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Tip # 5 – Using Flossers
Flossing can be a difficult thing for children. Fortunately, there are quite a few options to make this process easier. Using flossers can help as they use a small piece of floss attached to a small handle. Simply insert the floss between the teeth to break up bacteria and remove excess food trapped between the teeth. Children will have an easier time flossing when they use the flossers since they do not require them to wrap the floss around their small fingers and try to maintain resistance on the floss.
Tip # 6 – Healthy Eating
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, eat a well-balanced diet. Children need to have the right balance to assist in developing healthy bones. When they have a healthy diet, it will reduce problems with excess sugar that can wear down the enamel.
Tip # 7 – Visit the Dentist
One of the best things you can do to help your children manage problems with tooth decay is to visit the dentist. We provide annual cleanings to help children understand how to care for their teeth and gums, and we will help to prevent problems with tooth decay by catching cavities in early stages. If your child has a fear of the dentist, let our office know as our friendly staff will work hard to reduce their fear of visiting the dentist. Parents are the best examples when it comes to oral health, so make sure you are positive about visiting the dentist as it will make it easier for your children.
To learn more about how to help your children care for their teeth and gums, contact our dental office today.