Strong oral hygiene habits help people keep their teeth and gums healthy for life. Because behaviors established at a young age tend to have the greatest staying power, it’s important for parents to instill proper dental care in their little ones. Here, the gentle dentists and hygienists from Riviera Dental Care in Foley, AL, share some tips for accomplishing this.

A Dentist’s Top 5 Tips for Teaching Children Proper Oral Hygiene

1. Brush & Floss Regularly

Until your child is old enough to do so on their own, make sure you’re brushing and flossing their teeth every night and morning. Once they are old enough to do so independently, invite them to engage in brushing and flossing as a family to show them even “grown-ups” do it!

2. Turn It Into a Game

Playing a favorite song while brushing is a fun way to switch up your routine with your child. You can also turn oral hygiene into a game by setting a timer and telling kids the secret to “winning” is brushing until the clock runs out.

3. Make Dentist Visits Fun

A good way to help your child associate positive experiences with their dental appointments is to pair cleanings and exams with a fun activity. After their visit, consider rewarding them with a trip to the playground or public library.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

You can also implement positive reinforcement into their home care routine by using a chart and stickers to record every night of flossing and brushing. Once they’ve successfully completed a month, offer them a healthy reward, such as picking out a new toothbrush with their favorite character.

5. Start Appointments Early

Lastly, one of the best ways to build a solid foundation of lifelong dental health is to start bringing your child to see a dentist at a young age. Most professionals suggest scheduling their first appointment within their first year of life after the teeth begin erupting.  

The dentists at Riviera Dental Care aim to make appointments as comfortable and worry-free as possible for patients of all ages. Their family dentistry experts excel in working with children and believe oral wellness starts in a person’s formative years. To schedule an appointment for your family members, call (251) 943-3368 or visit the practice online.