Teach Children about Dental Hygiene from an Early Age

Teaching dental hygiene to a kid is done from an early age is important. But when talking about children, it often takes patience and persistence to teach them the importance of having good hygiene and, therefore, good oral health.

Although sometimes "brushing teeth" doesn't work on the first try (or worse, on the tenth), the effort is still necessary for kids to grow up healthy and be presentable people. So here are some of the tips by Family Dentist on Chinguacousy, RD.

In This Article

  • Encouraging a child to adopt the rules of dental hygiene takes a bit of teaching
  • How to teach children about oral health and the need to brush their teeth?
  • Visit to the Family Dentist on Chinguacousy, RD, remains an essential step
  • Dental shopping

Encouraging a child to adopt the rules of dental hygiene takes a bit of teaching

Before starting on the battle, you must first arm yourself with patience because learning is done slowly. The process takes so long because children do not immediately see the usefulness of daily dental hygiene. 

So, to succeed in the mission, it is necessary to be cunning a little. Family Dentist on Chinguacousy RD, recommends explaining to children the value of dental hygiene by telling them that good oral health prevents the appearance of cavities and infections while giving them time to integrate this concept into their rhythm. 

Many dentists draw attention to the importance of applying dental hygiene rules, first and foremost on the part of parents, because little ones imitate what adults do. Then,

How to teach children about oral health and the need to brush their teeth?

Talk about dental care. Regular brushing is necessary as soon as the first teeth appear. And while parents are aware of the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and the evening, kids still cannot understand precisely what it means to have dental hygiene or why mom and dad. 

Parents increasingly resort to fun approaches that combine games, manipulations, and experiences to make things more transparent.

There are many good examples. According to Family Dentist on Chinguacousy, RD, as early as 18 months, learning to use a toothbrush can begin with a very soft brush and fluoride-free paste. 

Brushing once a day is sufficient at first. From 4 to 6 years old, children can start brushing their teeth on their own after each meal. To encourage a child to take care of his teeth, we can, for example, offer him a fun and practical brush, the effigy of funny little monsters, animals etc. 

Another great idea would be to reserve a corner for him with a small cup, a step stool, and everything necessary to feel independent and brush his teeth like a grown-up. 

By the age of 6 to 8, almost all baby teeth have fallen out. The time is therefore ideal for teaching the child the gestures of brushing with even more precision. From the age of 9, the kid can finally adopt an adult brushing, after each meal, with a toothpaste rich in fluoride.

Visit to the Family Dentist on Chinguacousy, RD, remains an essential step

Basic dental hygiene is learned at home, but annual visit to the dentist remains an essential step to have a healthy mouth from early childhood. Do not let your child fall into the statistics of the 40% of Canadian people who never go to the Dentist on Chinguacousy, RD

Take the necessary measures in time, emphasizing regular visits to prevent the risk of developing cavities or other oral disorders. Finally, good oral health requires good food hygiene. 

In this vein, it is essential to teach your child the right gestures from an early age. Here are some basic rules worth remembering:

  • Avoid excess sugar;
  • Avoid acidic foods guilty of demineralization of tooth enamel;
  • Forget about snacking;
  • Consume a variety of foods that play a protective role;
  • Prefer milk and water to sugary drinks;
  • Finish meals with a dairy product rich in calcium.

Dental shopping

If you want your kids to follow an oral care routine:

  1. Buy the right equipment.
  2. Take them shopping and let them pick the proper dental care tools.
  3. Consider buying brushes, dental floss, tongue scrapers, etc.

Let your children's creativity run wild by letting them choose a color. Please take the opportunity to teach them to choose brushes with soft bristles that do not damage the gums. 

For a more efficient brushing experience, you can make them choose an electric toothbrush. You can also buy more than one toothbrush for each child. 

Teach your children to change their brush every three months or when their bristles are damaged. By having them on hand, you can make sure they always have a new toothbrush ready to replace the old one. When they are older, they will continue this good habit.

 

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