It’s a parent’s responsibility to teach children healthy oral habits and help them have a positive experience with dentistry. Along with setting an example, here are some easy ways to encourage your child to value their oral health, saving you time, stress, and money.

5 Simple Ways to Teach Children to Care for Their Teeth

1. Healthy habits

Offer water or a pacifier at bedtime to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Discourage thumb-sucking, especially after permanent teeth have erupted, to prevent palatal malformation. Also, offer your child a variety of healthy foods. Keep sugary treats to a minimum and close to meals.

For older kids and teenagers, chewing sugar-free gum after meals increases salivary flow, which neutralizes oral acidity. Protect orthodontic wires by avoiding sticky and crunchy foods.

2. Proper tools

Wipe infant gums with a warm washcloth, then gently brush with water or a light smear of fluoridated toothpaste once teeth erupt. Let your baby hold and play with their brush. Also, allow your child to choose their toothbrush. Once they can spit, use a pea-size amount of toothpaste. 

3. Consistent routine

Every child should brush for two minutes, twice a day. Let young children choose if they want your help before or after they’ve brushed.

Set a timer or play a fun song to keep the habit light and playful. Play hide-and-brush with chewable disclosing tablets, which show where plaque rests on teeth. Finally, check your water fluoride levels, and ask your dentist if your child needs a daily supplement at bedtime.

4. Positive reinforcement

Create a personalized incentive plan, like a sticker chart with a non-food reward or a contest between siblings. Adjust the incentive regularly to maintain interest.

Teenagers are largely motivated by appearance and peer acceptance. Tactfully encourage them to keep their breath fresh and their smile bright. Be generous with compliments and praise.

5. Regular checkups

With consistent checkups, you and your child receive oral care instructions specific to their age, health, and personality. Your dentist can also foresee and prevent many conditions before they become severe and expensive problems. A pattern of positive experiences for your child significantly reduces dental anxiety and fear.

 

The team members at Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK, ensure each member of the family has a calm and happy dentistry experience. They care for each patient in a spa-like, soothing environment with movies to watch and massage chairs you’ll be eager to return to. They take pride in their mission to lift the spirits of others and enhance people’s lives. See their full range of dentistry services online, or call (907) 622-7874 to make an appointment.