Last Updated on July 15, 2024 by Nadeem Ahmed
From finding a recommended childcare in Mount Albert to consulting the most competent pediatrician, you always do everything to keep your child safe, happy, and healthy. Another way you can do this is to teach them proper dental hygiene habits. After all, oral health affects their overall wellness.
Similarly, the importance of dental hygiene is not limited to a dentist’s office. As a parent, you must uphold the teachings and practices of excellent dental hygiene at home. However, making them understand the essence of excellent oral health can be difficult since they usually have a short attention span. Likewise, you shouldn’t be stern about requiring them to brush daily. On top of being an effective role model, you must find ways to pique their interest, such as making brushing an exciting activity instead of a chore. You can even create games to encourage them to brush their teeth daily.
To make it easier, we’ve compiled 5 fun ways to teach your children how to care for their teeth. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
1. Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush
There are several character-themed children’s toothbrushes on the market today. They are available in different colours, designs, and sizes. They even feature different bristle compositions!
With these multiple product designs, your child will be sure to find their favourite. Letting them choose their toothbrush will make them more invested in toothbrushing. You can match their selected brushes with children’s fluoride toothpaste to protect their pearly whites from cavities and other oral health problems.
2. Use the Tooth Fairy
Children are attracted to mystery and excitement. You can always use the story of the tooth fairy to encourage your kids to observe proper oral health practices daily. You can start by educating your child about the difference between “baby” and “adult” teeth. Explain that their primary teeth will support the alignment of their permanent teeth. You can simply leave a small gift to make them believe the tooth fairy exists. Just be sure to tell them the truth at the right age to avoid upsetting them.
3. Create Dental Games
Children find some “adult” tasks uninteresting, and tooth-brushing and flossing might not be an exception. They may even think that visiting an Ottawa dentist is terrifying and harmful.
Eliminate their fear or boredom by having them play games. For instance, instruct them to brush their stuffed toys’ teeth. You can create several dental game ideas which you can play with your child alternately to avoid being too monotonous.
As you create dental games, remember to emphasize the importance of caring for their teeth, gums, and tongue. This is especially advantageous for parents with kids who love hands-on activities or are visual learners. You can use colouring sheets and puzzles to make these games more entertaining and educating.
4. Read Books about Dental Health
Then again, your child may be more interested in reading than playing games. If they love bedtime stories, mid-day stories, or reading in general, we’ve got the solution for you!
You can prepare them for their upcoming dental visit by letting them read dental stories (e.g., keeping your teeth healthy and journey to a dentist’s office), preferably from their favourite authors. Various books are available for every reading level, so you can easily find the story best suited for your child.
5. Lead by Example and Brush with the Family
Children at a tender age will copy almost everything their parents do, so you can make “lead by example” a motto in teaching them about proper oral hygiene. One fun way you can do this is to brush with your kids or your other family member while your hesitant toddler is watching. Establish gentle yet thorough brushing so they can mimic it. While you’re in it, encourage them by making them feel that you are having fun while doing it.
If you and your child are brushing together, also observe if they are brushing correctly or whether or not they’re swallowing toothpaste (this can lead to stomachache).
You can make brushing with them extra fun by singing a song. You can sing a catchy toothbrush song you found on YouTube or one your parents sang to you when you were still a toddler. Make sure it will be a 2-minute period, so they’ll know when to stop.
Some of the building blocks for a lifetime of excellent oral health for kids are preventative dental care, including brushing, flossing, and attending regular Brampton dentist’s appointments. On top of overseeing a balanced diet for your kids, ensure they’re also practicing proper oral hygiene everywhere they go. This will prevent future dental issues like tooth decay, gum diseases, and bad breath. To introduce and establish the importance of excellent dental hygiene habits at home, create a fun oral hygiene routine to encourage your kids to participate!
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