Advice for Your Family’s Long-Term Oral Health Posted: September 30, 2019

As parents and caregivers, we want to give a lot to our children. From teaching them to be kind individuals to trying our best to make vegetables a desirable food group, we want our children to have good habits. We’d like them to grow into happy, healthy people. And, of course, we love to see them smile along the way - but don’t we have to take care of that smile as well? There are a few things to consider about fostering strong dental care early in our children’s lives.

Always lead by example. When it comes to doing anything, especially something as vital as dental care for children, make sure you are engaging in the healthy oral hygiene habits that you want your children to follow. It should be a routine every morning and night, and you can even make it fun - you know those toothbrushes that sing songs? As you remind them to brush or teach them the importance of flossing on a near-daily basis, work hard to establish the good habits they will eventually pick up.

Go to the dentist regularly - one your family will like and trust. Some adults have a phobia of the dentist, so do your best to give your children a positive experience at the dentist to avoid such debilitating fears. They should go every six months or so unless directed otherwise. If they fight you about flossing or brushing at home, just have the dentist give them a friendly reminder about the importance when they go for their regular check-up.

While it isn’t always easy with kids, eating a healthy diet is a great way to maintain positive long-term oral health. Children shouldn’t have soda or too many sugary drinks, but if they insist, use a straw. Reduce sugary snacks and replace them with healthy alternatives like fruit. Do not let your children skip breakfast - even on the busiest of mornings! A high protein, low-sugar diet can help reduce a child’s cravings for sugar throughout the day and give them the energy to build other healthy habits.

Work with your dentist at Hills Dental Design, reward your children’s good behavior with the help of the tooth fairy (more often than a lost tooth), and continue to observe positive dental care habits yourself. After all, if their parents and caregivers don’t have to be good, why should they? Recruit your entire family to take good care of your smiles and establish excellent oral hygiene in your children for years to come.

Author : Neil Kemp