Preventing Tooth Decay To Maintain Healthy Teeth

3 Ways To Encourage Healthy Oral Habits In Your Child

As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that your children's teeth are kept clean and healthy. But that doesn't mean it is easy. In fact, many children are difficult when it comes to brushing their teeth and fight when it is done and don't cooperate. Here are some things that you can do to help your child have healthy oral habits.

1. Explain Why

One of the most important things you can do is teach the child why they need to brush their teeth. Of course, your child won't understand cavities, but they might understand something like sugar bugs or teeth bugs. You can explain that little germs or bugs are in their teeth eating their teeth and the only way to get the bugs out is to brush them away. Without understanding the danger of not brushing their teeth, the child won't be motivated to have good oral hygiene.

If possible, try not to scare the child with things like "your going to have to go to the dentist and they will drill into your teeth." These sorts of things make for a fear of the dentist that could hurt the child later and make their time at the dentist unpleasant.

2. Let Them Help

Starting at a young age, you should allow the child to be a part of teeth brushing. Have them play with a toothbrush as needed and brush their own teeth. Then, you take a turn after they have had a turn. This way, they will start young learning how to properly hold the brush and clean their teeth. It might also help them to feel more comfortable if they play an integral part in brushing their teeth.

3. Use Charts and Rewards

For some children, you might find that using something like a chart can be very helpful. Right by the sink, or even by their bed, you have a chart that helps them know what to do to get ready for bed or for the day. Each time they successfully brush their teeth, they get out put a sticker on the chart. This will help them feel proud of a job well done. Since a child may not be able to see the benefits of brushing their teeth, an external reward, such as a sticker, may be the best way to encourage healthy oral habits.

By doing these things, you can encourage healthy habits in your child. Talk to a dentist like those at BAHMAN GUIV DENTAL to learn more.