How to Teach Kids about Oral Health?

Teaching your kids good oral care and dental hygiene from a young age is essential in preventing tooth decay. Today, we are seeing a rise in tooth decay cases among children, with more than 30 percent experiencing tooth decay in their primary teeth. The further bad news is that about 10 percent of these cases are left untreated.

Children can be really good at dodging the essential things that keep them in good health. Going to bed early, eating vegetables, and even dental hygiene is a challenge among many parents. Practicing good oral hygiene helps kids prevent future dental problems, like infection, pain, cavities, and overcrowding because of tooth loss. In order to establish one, you will need to have a great dental routine.

Here are a few ways to make teaching oral health a fun activity for your children.

Lead by example. Good oral habits and dental hygiene starts with you. If your children see you religiously brushing and flossing every day, it will make them follow suit. Let them watch you do your dental care habits and make it look like you are enjoying it. Children love to mimic what adults do, so you should see them pretending to brush their teeth in no time.
Bring your kids to your dentist appointments. Show your children that you also have to go to regular dental check-ups. This shows your kids that this is just a part of normal everyday life. This is also a great way to introduce them to the family dentist, and get familiar with the environment. A good dentist will make your kids comfortable and relaxed, and make the whole experience a fun one.
Find a fun toothbrush tune. Thanks to the internet, you should not have a hard time looking for fun songs to do activities to. You can easily jump to Google, and search for “toothbrush songs and dances,” and you should find the perfect one in seconds. Video-sharing platforms like YouTube should also be of help in making dental care a fun and positive experience.
Make a game out of it. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to teach your kid to brush their teeth is to make a game of it. You can let them pretend-brush their dolls or stuffed animals until they get the hang of it. The more fun they experience with toothbrushing, the more positive the experience becomes, and the more they will look forward to doing it every day.
Give rewards. It is okay to give them small rewards for doing good in taking care of their teeth. However, it is best that you stay away from sugary treats; instead, you can give them stickers or a bedtime story. Of course, you know your child better than anyone, so you should know how to best get their attention when it comes to giving a reward for a job well done.
Look for a family-friendly dentist. Many adults remember going to their dentists and finding it a nightmare. Give your child great memories with their dentist by looking for one who is child-friendly, with a welcoming staff who can work well with kids of all ages. Look for a place with a welcoming, well-lit environment filled with toys and playful posters, coupled with a dentist who can engage and entertain kids at their level.

Helping your child experience optimal oral health will allow them to achieve a bright and healthy smile. One of the first steps in ensuring that your kids enjoy the best oral health possible is by making them feel comfortable with seeing a dentist. Look for the best one in your area now to ensure a fun and positive experience for you, your child, and the whole family.