How to Teach Your Child the Dental Basics

Dental care is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being. Teaching your child the basics of dental care at an early age can help ensure that they have healthy teeth and gums for years to come. In this blog post, we will discuss pediatric dentistry and the basics of dental care that every parent should teach their child. We will also provide some tips on how to make brushing and flossing fun for kids!

Your Child’s Teeth: The Importance of Baby Teeth

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health and hygiene of children from infancy through adolescence. It is important for children to start practicing good dental habits early, as this will help them avoid cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease later in life. Teaching children the basics of brushing and flossing regularly and properly can also ensure that they have a healthy mouth. Baby teeth are important for chewing and speaking, and they also help guide adult teeth into position. Without baby teeth, children may experience delayed development, speech impediments, and difficulty with eating certain foods.

How to Teach Your Child the Dental Basics

It is important to start teaching your child the basics of dental care as early as possible. Start by introducing them to brushing their teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before bedtime. It is also important to teach them proper technique. You can teach your child proper technique by having them stand in front of a mirror and demonstrate the proper brushing techniques. Make sure to have your child brush for at least two minutes each time.

When it comes to flossing, it is important to teach your child how to properly use dental floss. Show them how to wrap the floss around their fingers and guide it between their teeth and gums. Make sure your child flosses at least once a day.

Making Brushing and Flossing Fun for Kids

It is important to make brushing and flossing fun for kids, as this will help them stick to their dental hygiene routine! You can make brushing and flossing fun by playing music or singing a song while they brush and floss. You can also make it a game by timing them to see how long it takes for them to finish brushing and flossing. You can also reward your child with a sticker or small treat after they have completed their dental routine.

Tips on Teaching Your Child About Dental Care

Here are some additional talking points and tips from Very Well Family that you can use whenever you get pushback from your child about taking care of their teeth.

• Brush your teeth alongside your child in the morning and the evening. Little kids like to copy adult behaviors. 
• Cater to their preferences. If your child only wants bubble gum-flavored toothpaste, don’t insist on mint. If they want to try an electric toothbrush (oh, the novelty!), that’s fine. Whatever gets them brushing.
• Do a cavity science experiment. Many kids learn best when they have a visual example, so it may help to show your child what happens to their teeth when they eat, and then when they don’t brush. 
• Offer lots of choices. Instead of mandating when exactly your child needs to brush their teeth, ask if they want to brush them before or after they get dressed in the morning. This makes them feel in control without letting them off the hook. 
• Play pretend. Little kids will love brushing the teeth of their favorite dolls and stuffed animals, so give them a dollar store toothbrush and let them role-play dentists. See if they can explain to their toys why brushing is so important; teaching often reinforces learning.
• Remind your child that we wash our hands several times a day to get rid of germs so we don’t get sick, and when we brush our teeth we’re doing the same thing. 
• Take turns. Allow your child to brush their own teeth first, and then tell them it’s your turn. Kids under six don’t have the motor skills to be able to brush effectively, so they need an adult to brush for them. But giving them the chance to do it first helps them learn and practice.

Make an Appointment with Li’l Sunshine Smiles

Making sure your child has good dental habits is important for their overall wellbeing. To ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy and strong, schedule an appointment with us at Li’l Sunshine Smiles today! Our team is here to help you set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Contact us to learn more about our dental services and to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you and your child!