How to Improve Your Child’s Dental Health This Year
Dental health is directly related to overall health, which is why good oral health is so imperative. It begins when you’re a child and lasts your entire life. Learning the proper technique for brushing, flossing, and caring for teeth begins when a child’s first tooth appears, and it never ends. Many dental professionals recommend parents bring their children to the dentist for the first time at 6 months or any time during the first year of life when their teeth begin to appear. While many people do, most don’t begin bringing their own children to the dentist until they’re a little older and more willing to sit still in the chair.
Good oral healthcare begins as a child, which is why your job is to create a lasting relationship with your children’s dentist, attend all appointments every six months, and help foster a love of good oral care with your children. It’s not that difficult to keep your teeth healthy and strong, but there are a few things you can do to improve your child’s oral healthcare this year.
Download and App
Depending on the type of phone you have, there are several different apps you can download to help your kids learn to correctly brush their teeth. One such app is a Disney app that syncs to a child’s Disney toothbrush and allows them to choose their favorite Disney character. As they brush their own teeth for two minutes, the app character does the same in the same location your child is brushing. It shows them how well they’re doing, what kind of progress they’re making, and how they can improve. It also guarantees they’ll brush for the recommended two minutes. This app is great because kids love it and it encourages them to brush twice daily for two minutes.
Keep Dental Appointments
Whether your child is 6 months or 5 years, it’s time to get to the dentist. A pediatric dentist is well-equipped to handle children of any age with their special techniques, their fun offices, and their great staff. They know this is a scary moment for kids, and they work very hard to make it more enjoyable for all involved. Assuming your children have no cavities or other oral health problems, they should visit the dentist two times every year to allow them to get the most out of the dental visits.
These visits are important because they involve cleaning teeth and removing hard to remove plaque and other sediment. They’re all important because it allows your child’s dentist to locate any potential health problems while they’re still developing. This means less invasive treatment, better care, and a better outcome. Don’t miss these appointments.
Lead by Example
One thing many parents forget is their kids learn by example. If you’re not seeing the dentist, brushing properly, or flossing, your kids are less likely to do the same. Be sure you’re also visiting your dentist every six months for cleaning, and be sure you are modeling great toothbrush behavior. “Replace your brushes every month or two, let your kids watch you brush, and teach them to floss by doing it yourself,” said Los Gatos Family Dentistry.
When you show your kids how good oral healthcare looks, you help them learn to do the same. They want to be like you, so they’re going to mimic your behavior when they have the opportunity. Let this be a lesson to you in helping your kids learn great dental habits. Another simple tip for improving your kids’ oral health this year is to lay off all the sugary products. Healthy diets, water, and getting rid of all the juice in their lives is going to help tremendously.
Your kids’ oral health can affect their overall health as they get older. Minimize their risk of developing health issues by keeping their teeth healthy and strong. It’s much more affordable for you to take them to the dentist now than it is to pay for the extensive repairs they’ll need as they get older if you fail to teach them the importance of good oral health care. Your kids deserve the best, and it’s time for you to provide that for them in terms of their oral health.
