Help Your Child Develop Healthy Oral Hygiene with These Tips

teaching child good oral hygieneScotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA

As a parent, you make sure your kids complete their homework, practice good behavior, and eat right, although there are many more things you teach your child. This parenting journey can be difficult at times. Among the laundry list of stuff that parents must teach their children, least we forget about healthy oral hygiene habits.

No matter what you are attempting to instill in your child, the task must seem enjoyable to them, and the same rings true for their oral health. Here are some fun ways to get your child excited about developing good oral hygiene.

Avoid making teeth brushing and flossing seem like a chore. Practice letting your child have a little creativity during their bedtime or getting ready for school routine.

Bring on the fun when it comes to choosing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other oral hygiene essentials. Allow your child to choose fun colored toothbrushes and flavorful kinds of toothpaste. This also lets them feel a sense of independence by making small, yet meaningful choices.

For younger children, incorporate music during their oral hygiene. This not only helps them to know how long they should brush but also makes the time pass more quickly while brushing.

Encourage your child to brush their teeth after eating sweets. Once this becomes a habit, they will be more likely to have better oral health and fewer cavities.

Help your child learn from specific circumstances, such as a relapse in their oral health. Did your child have a cavity (or cavities) at their last checkup? Instead of getting upset with them, use the circumstance as an opportunity to reevaluate your child’s oral health routine. Set the goal of improving their oral health before their next dental visit.

Last, make certain to model good behavior by practicing good oral hygiene yourself. Let your children see you eagerly work hard towards a healthy mouth, by regularly brushing and flossing your own teeth. If your child is very young, taking them to the dentist with you during your cleanings, which will help them see that there is nothing to be scared of when visiting the dentist for their checkups.

To schedule your next dental appointment, contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411. We welcome patients of all ages and those with families.

Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry serves patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.