Educating Your Children on Good Oral Health

According to the surgeon general, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. To prevent your child from having tooth decay and practice great oral care, it’s important for you to educate your child on the importance of their teeth. It can be hard to stay on top of your children to make sure they’re brushing, flossing, but this guide can help you out a bit!

Start Early
The earlier you start, the easier it is. Once you start seeing teeth growing on your little one, you should begin brushing their teeth twice a day. Even though these are just the primary, or baby teeth, you will help keep their gums clean and healthy. Starting early will also instill in your child the importance of routinely taking care of their teeth. It is normally recommended to start flossing around 4 years of age.

Educate Them on the Process
It’s important to patiently describe how and why to brush their teeth. Without frightening them, be sure to explain that when one neglects their mouth they can get cavities, bad breath, tooth rotting, gum disease and other terrible consequences.

Walk Them through It
Be sure to demonstrate the pea-sized toothpaste you put on the toothbrush and the way your brush morning and night. Show them the motions and all the areas including the top, side and backside of their teeth as well as their tongue and the sides of their mouth. It’s equally important to show them how your floss and use mouthwash.

Set a Good Example
The best way to train your child to take care of their teeth is to be a good role model. Show them that Mommy and Daddy brush their teeth and it keeps their teeth clean and white.

Make it Fun
The easiest way to get kids on-board with things is make it fun for them. Have them pick out their own toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Challenge your child to keep brushing the entire length of their favorite song. Have them brush their doll or stuffed animal’s teeth too. Another helpful tip is to accentuate the positive to your child. Say things like, “Oh I can’t wait to brush my teeth and have the smooth, clean feel!” This will help them get enthusiastic about brushing as opposed to dreading it.

Eat & Drink Healthy
One of the best ways to take care of your child’s teeth is to create a healthy diet for them. Staying away from starchy or sugary foods and drinks is a great way to keep plaque and bacteria away. We recommend fresh vegetables, low-fat yogurt, fruits,and low-fat cheese. Also encourage children to drink water which has a natural rinsing and cleansing element. It also keeps your child hydrated and mouth moisturized.

Take Them to the Dentist Regularly
It’s important to take your child to the dentist twice a year starting at age one. Prepare your child for the experience explaining that professionals will be looking into their mouth and examining their teeth and mouth health.


About the Author: Dr. Dailley is a practicing dentist specializing in cures for bad breath and halitosis treatment kits. Dr. Dailley operates a bad breath treatment clinic in San Francisco you can visit to treat your halitosis. I'm reading: Educating Your Children on Good Oral HealthTweet this!