Children are fascinating little creatures, curious and eager to ask questions. One question your child has probably never asked you is “Mom, teach me all about how to take care of my teeth.” It’s up to us parents, working along with our local Lethbridge dentists, to teach the next generation the importance of oral hygiene. Learning these skills at a young age allows children to learn daily hygiene habits, which can stick with them throughout life.
Many children don’t like to brush their teeth. Can you blame them, really? Most children don’t want to take the time to put a yucky-tasting paste into their mouths, and some children don’t have enough patience to floss. How can we keep them on track, and keep their little mouths clean and healthy? It’s all about consistency, and making the task easier for them.
First of all, find a child-size toothbrush. An adult size toothbrush is simply too big to get into all the nooks and crannies of a smaller mouth. There are plenty of colors to choose from. Make sure to select a brush with very soft bristles, and children have very sensitive gums.
Next, find a toothpaste specifically made for children. Most kids don’t know how to spit out the toothpaste when they’re just starting out, and swallowing fluoride toothpaste can be unhealthy. Find a fun flavor, like bubble gum or strawberry, as children tend to prefer these flavors to mint.
When it comes to flossing, those handy flossing wands you’ve seen at the store are the easiest to use. You won’t have to worry about your child wasting too much floss from a roll, or being clumsy with wrapping the floss through their fingers. Look for a disposable plastic flosser, with a pointed toothpick end, and a flossing end. These are much easier for little hands to maneuver in small mouths, and are just as effective as traditional floss.
Make sure your little one knows how important oral hygiene is. Schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist by age three, if not before. Check with your local Lethbridge dentist, and see what age they recommend for first cleaning and x-rays of a child. If possible, go into the dentist’s room with your child, they may be scared having strangers poke sharp objects in their mouths and having loud tools buzzing in their ears.
Lethbridge pediatric dentists specialize in making the process less scary for children. If your child’s dentist or hygienist is being too rough with your child, speak up. You don’t want your child to be “haunted” for life due to one bad experience. Offer plenty of praise to your child for a successful trip to the dentist, and explain how important oral hygiene is.
At home, make sure to set routines in your child’s day for oral care. Don’t let your child slip off the bed before brushing and flossing their teeth. Help them out, and make sure they’re doing it properly. Offer to lend a hand if they’re having difficulty. Try to avoid your child becoming frustrated at the process; remember, you are helping form habits for life.
As a parent, it’s your job to make sure your child learns proper oral hygiene, and understands the importance of taking care of the teeth. Your guidance will help them form lifelong habits and routines out of oral care. Make sure your child sees a Lethbridge dentist at least twice a year, also. You always enjoy seeing your child’s smile, and you can feel good about teaching them to keep it healthy.
