The last thing on your children’s mind is making sure they brush and floss each day. They’re not thinking about that acidic fruit juice they drank at dinner that’s just sitting on their teeth. It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is why your pediatric dentist in Long Island City wants you to know why it is important to teach your children good dental habits from an early age.
The Earlier You Start, The Better Off They’ll Be
As children grow, they are susceptible to cavities and believe it or not, tooth decay. By teaching your children good dental habits early on, such as brushing and flossing, you can prevent bacteria from forming, keeping your child’s smile happy and healthy.
What Do I Need to Know to Help My Child?
Early on, you and your child’s dentist will begin to discuss how best to care for his or her teeth at home. Some things the dentist may help you understand include:
- Proper care for your child’s teeth
- Accident prevention
- Teething and other milestones
- The connection between their oral health and diet
- Bad habits (thumb sucking)
- Using fluoride
What Can I Do to Instill Good Habits?
By practicing and maintaining your own oral health, you’re setting an example for your children. You may not realize it, but even young toddlers can learn the importance of good dental hygiene. Other ways you can instill positive habits include:
- Brushing and Flossing: Teaching your kiddo to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss around the gum line will help prevent cavities and tooth decay from developing.
- Eating Healthy Foods: You have an advantage in this area, as you are probably the one managing what your children eat. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean proteins are all considered parts of a balanced diet. Keep sugary and starchy foods to a minimum. If sugar is left on the teeth for too long, it can cause bacteria to form holes, which means cavities, and you don’t want that!
- Establishing a Routine: Each morning and night, make sure your kids brush and floss their teeth. The best way to do it is by establishing a routine. If you want to make it fun, incorporate music to get them dancing. You could make it a dance party with the whole family!
Rewarding your children with stars or stickers can motivate them to keep doing good work with their oral health! Providing praise for healthy-looking smiles is another way to make sure they know you are happy with their brushing and flossing.
Accept the challenge, and start teaching your kids good dental habits today! When they receive an A+ from their dentist, you and your children will be happy with the results of all your hard work.
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran’s philosophy is to cater to his patient’s needs by providing a multi-disciplinary treatment plan to best suit their requirements. Dr. Saran earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and trained for a year in general dentistry at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. He and his team provide personalized care for you and your family. To find out more about our services, contact us at (718) 530-6539.