Kids like to be independent. Parents like when their children master tasks on their own. When it comes to dental care, however, it’s important for parents and kids to work together to ensure that those young mouths have healthy teeth and gums. In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, brush up on these oral health tips for parents so you can set your kids up for a lifetime of great, healthy smiles.
1. Demonstrate
Your kids want to be like you, but they don’t always want you to show them the way to do it. If you have a strong-willed little soul on your hands who demands to do his or her own thing with their toothbrush, then make a habit of brushing together. Let them see how you reach every tooth, how you brush for two minutes, how brushing thoroughly doesn’t mean brushing hard, how easy it is to floss between all your teeth. Even if this means you’re brushing more every day in order to brush along with your child, your own oral health will benefit and your kids will learn important dental care lessons along the way.
2. Make Dental Care Fun
Those light-up toothbrushes? They’re worth it. The green, yellow, and red lights that count down two minutes of brushing time keep your child focused on the task at hand and keep that toothbrush in their mouth for an appropriate length of time. Some electric toothbrushes come with an accompanying app for your child’s tablet, making sure your child reaches every nook and cranny of their mouth.
Have a resistant flosser on your hands? Invest in flosser picks in fun shapes or your child’s favorite flavors. Flossing with typical dental floss can be a difficult maneuver for a kid, but flossers get the job done in a fun and tasty way.
3. Work Together
If your child wants to brush themselves, make a deal – one brushing per day they can do on their own with supervision, the other brushing you do for them. This way, parents aren’t infringing on their kid’s independence but still make sure they’re getting the job done well. You’ll notice that kids often only focus on the crowns of their teeth and the teeth in the front of their mouth since they’re the most visible and the most easily reached. It’s important to make sure that toothbrush is rubbing against both the teeth and the gum line to clean the areas where food particles and bacteria like to settle. Whatever your kids miss, you can address.
4. Visit Your Arlington Dentist
Arlington, TX, dentist Dr. Alana Macalik is always thrilled to welcome children to her practice. She is honored to be the resource who helps kids learn about oral health, teach them the proper ways to take care of their teeth and gums, and deliver a positive, happy, gentle dental experience that makes kids look forward to dental cleanings and exams instead of worrying about them.
Schedule a dental visit for your child, or any member of your family, with Dr. Macalik. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.