Did you know that the most common chronic disease in children ages 6–19 is tooth decay? This may be a surprise to you, but there’s good news. Proper dental care can earn them a clean bill of health from the dentist at every check-up.
It can be difficult to get your kids to complete oral health tasks each day. They may fuss and argue when it’s time to brush and floss.
What can you do to ensure your child is free from tooth decay and other tooth-related ailments? Make it fun!
Read on for ideas that will help make your child’s oral care a breeze.
Tools of the Trade
It will be much more fun for your child to take care of their dental health if they’ve helped pick out some engaging supplies.
Toothbrushes come decorated in all colors and with many of the characters your child may love and know. Let them get the bright pink brush or the brush featuring their favorite superhero.
A toddler should have a brush with easy-to-grip handles and soft bristles. Once they have better hand strength, children can begin to use brushes that are more like an adult’s.
An electric toothbrush is also an option for kids aged three and up. These also come in many fun colors or are decked out with characters.
Don’t forget the flavored toothpaste!
Family Dental Care Affair
Teach your kids that oral health is a priority. Make brushing and flossing a family affair. After meals, have everyone troop to the bathroom to brush and floss. Your kids will love that you’re brushing right along with them!
This is a great time to teach proper techniques and to make sure your child is brushing for the optimal amount of time (two minutes is the general rule). You can also help out with flossing, as needed, once your child’s teeth are close enough together.
Chart Success
If your child responds to external rewards, you might want to consider creating a chart with your child. They can earn stickers or stamps each time they brush, floss, or have a good dental check-up.
Just make sure the rewards aren’t sugary! Work with your child to make a list of potential rewards. Let them pick the movie for movie night, stay up an extra fifteen minutes, or get an extra story at bedtime.
Literature For the Win
There are many great books about dental care for children. Maybe your child wants to learn about the inner workings of a tooth. Perhaps they could use some tips on proper brushing. Many kids love hearing about the tooth fairy. You’ll find a book on every tooth-related topic you can think of.
If your kids have any questions about taking care of their teeth, these may naturally come up while sharing a book. Remembering how a memorable character took care of his or her teeth may motivate your child to take care of theirs.
Make Dental Check-ups Routine
Find a dentist who specializes in pediatric dental care as soon as your child turns one. It’s important to find someone who’s trained in working with small mouths. Equally important is finding a pediatric dentist who will help your child feel comfortable.
Plan to take your child for a visit to the dentist every six months. Make sure you know your local emergency dentist for kids, too. You never know when you’ll need one.
Healthy Habits For Life
Start practicing good dental care habits with your children early. These routines will follow them throughout their childhood and adolescence and into adulthood.
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There are two components of a typical dental check-up or examination and dental prophylaxis, or cleaning. When you visit the dentist, your dentist will look for any cavities. The X-rays may be used to look for dental cavities in your mouth. The test will also include checking for tartar and plaque on your teeth.