Nearly half of young children and teenagers in the UK reportedly have tooth decay. Different factors can impact kids’ oral health, such as poor dental hygiene and access to sugary drinks or snacks.
If you want your children to develop a healthy smile, you must ensure they understand the dental hygiene basics. Here’s how you can teach your kids about good oral health.
If you’re in need of a dental hygienist Peterborough, The Smile Boutique offers exceptional services to ensure your oral health is in top condition.
Teach Good Brushing and Flossing Techniques
It is never too early to teach your kids the importance of thorough toothbrushing. Parents must brush their child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth erupts from the gum. Continue to brush their teeth until they can do so themselves.
Once they are confident enough to handle a toothbrush, you must show your child how to brush their teeth, such as:
- Showing them the correct toothpaste amount to apply – a rice-sized amount for kids up to age 3, and a pea-sized amount for those aged 3 and over
- Brushing their teeth in a vertical position for a minimum of two minutes
- Moving the brush back and forth with short strokes
- Brushing the tongue
Remind your son and daughter they must brush their teeth twice per day. Also, don’t forget to check they’re brushing their teeth, which will reiterate the importance of good oral health.
Visit a Dentist Every Six Months
Children should attend a dental check-up every six months. During an appointment, a dentist will review your child’s teeth, provide oral health advice and may recommend treatment if required. As children grow older, they might need additional preventative or cosmetic treatments to develop a healthy, straight smile. As such, having a dedicated dental practitioner, like the dentist in modesto, is essential.
For example, they might require braces, plaque treatments or a filling. Plus, you can have confidence in every procedure, as professional UK practices will only turn to the likes of Kent Express for high-quality dental supplies online.
Attend Dental Check-ups with Your Kids
Parents must lead by example when it comes to oral hygiene. To do so, you should bring your kids along to your dental check-ups. It will demonstrate the importance of caring for your teeth throughout the years and stopping oral problems in their tracks. Plus, they will feel familiar with the environment, which can prevent them from developing a phobia of the dental chair.
Encourage Good Dental Habits
Good dental habits during childhood can lead to lifelong brushing, flossing and care. Encourage your kids to pick up a toothbrush or some floss by making oral care more fun. For example, allow them to pick their own toothbrush at a supermarket or create a toothbrushing song to make the experience more enjoyable.
You could even create a progress chart to monitor how often they brush their teeth throughout the month. The visual aid will help them adopt healthy habits, and they will be more likely to brush and floss if they know they will receive a reward.
If you follow the above top tips, your kids will enjoy a healthier smile throughout their childhood. Plus, they’ll be more likely to care for their teeth and gums throughout adulthood.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.
Reading what other people have to say about a dentist can provide insight into how a dentist practices general dentistry, as well as how his or her dental practice is operated.
The act of brushing and flossing is essential to maintaining your oral health, and you’re the ideal role example your kids can follow. Make sure you floss and brush your teeth frequently and instruct your children to begin using toothpaste from the time they’re old enough to swallow it. There are toothpastes that are non-fluoride that has a vibrant color that teaches kids to thoroughly brush their teeth regularly and frequently. If your teeth start to rub against one another be sure to teach your children to floss between their teeth once each day.