CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH IS NEAR!
3 STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE GOOD ORAL HEALTH HABITS
Developing great oral habits and caring for your mouth and teeth are important for everyone at any age. However, it’s especially crucial for children. Caring for children’s teeth differs from adult oral care because kids' teeth change as they grow. To ensure your child’s teeth are developing properly and prevent future dental issues, children must develop great oral health care early on. In honor of February being Children’s Dental Health Month, here are three strategies parents can use to encourage good dental hygiene in their children.
providing an example of the correct way to brush, and why having an oral hygiene routine is essential. 2. Make oral hygiene fun! One of the best ways to get your kids into the routine of caring for their teeth, gums, and mouth is by making oral health fun. To start, let your child pick their toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinse. Giving children some independence will encourage them to think positively about their oral health because they get to decide which products to use. Then, after helping your child with their dental hygiene routine, reward them by giving them a healthy snack, allowing them to watch their favorite TV show or movie, or setting up a rewards system so they can get a prize after brushing their teeth. 3. Prevent dental phobia. Many people are afraid to go to the dentist, and some children may have anxiety or fear about having their teeth examined. To help ease your child’s
1. Start healthy dental habits while they’re young.
concerns, plan a fun activity for them to do after their dentist appointment . It will give them something to look forward to and keep their mind off their worries. For more information about children’s oral health and how to encourage a great dental hygiene routine, contact your local dentist’s office. They can provide you with more strategies and preventive measures to ensure your child’s smile will remain healthy and bright.
It’s detrimental to your child’s oral health if you don’t establish good dental habits when they’re young. If your children are younger than 8 or 9, it’s best if you brush their teeth for them. Younger kids don’t have the motor skills or muscles to ensure they’re brushing their teeth properly, which can cause dental issues later in life. By brushing your child’s teeth for them, you’re showing them the importance of brushing twice a day,
2 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com
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