How to Become Your Child's Oral Health Role Model
Getting our kids to understand how important their teeth and gums are may be difficult, but there are certain steps you can take to become their oral health role model.
The Importance of Oral Health
One of the reasons this should be a priority is the link from poor oral health and gum disease to overall health and systemic illness. Children who learn to take care of their teeth and gums early are less likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease, along with the related overall health risks, and are more likely to maintain a strong, attractive smile.
These Five Steps Can Help You Teach and Model Ideal Oral Health Habits
There are several steps you can take to ensure that your child understands that proper oral hygiene is vital to both their smile and their overall health.
Start with Your Baby’s First Tooth
After helping your baby through teething, and the first tooth emerges, it’s time to start taking care of their developing smile. During a quiet moment with your baby, gently wipe the tooth with a soft, clean, damp cloth. Talk to them about their new tooth and how it’s time to clean it.
Once there are two teeth, start using a soft baby toothbrush with a rice sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. When finished, wipe clean with a cloth until they are old enough to rinse their mouths. Do this twice a day to instill the understanding that teeth need to be brushed in the morning and at night.
Schedule Dental Visits Together
Before their first full visit, arrange to bring your baby with you, either for a simple cleaning that you have scheduled for yourself, or a dedicated meet and greet between your child and their new dentist.
Meeting the dentist in a stress-free atmosphere helps your child build trust and decreases the chances of a fearful first dental examination.
Keep your routine appointments as well as theirs. Being committed to regular, twice yearly dental visits shows your child that oral health and a beautiful smile takes dedication to one’s total well-being.
Brush Your Teeth Together
Mom or dad (or both) can also turn daily oral hygiene into valuable quality time with children who are old enough to brush their own teeth.
Use this time to demonstrate proper brushing techniques; hold the toothbrush tilted toward the gum line and use tooth-wide strokes to clean the fronts of all the top teeth and then the bottom. For the backs of teeth hold the toothbrush perpendicular and use up and down strokes. For the biting surfaces, hold the brush flat against the tops of teeth and brush thoroughly, especially when cleaning the molars.
This habit allows parents to monitor their child’s dental care practices while giving them your attention and time. Be sure to keep it positive throughout and encourage your child with compliments.
Play Dental Show and Tell
Images that display the different parts of teeth can be used to explain the way a cavity can grow into the pulp and irritate nerves. This helps them understand that maintaining their oral health prevents pain.
Showing your school-age child photos that illustrate the consequences of poor oral hygiene is also an effective deterrent to dental neglect.
Provide and Consume Healthy Foods
Offering fresh, crisp vegetables and plenty of water instead of sugary or starchy snacks contributes to the whole family’s health. Limiting sweets helps prevent your child from developing a “sweet tooth” and prepares their palate to enjoy more beneficial choices.
It’s important to note that even healthy beverages like orange juice contain acid that can wear down the enamel of teeth. Brushing shortly, but not immediately after consuming citrus drinks, is recommended.
By instilling these oral health values, your child’s smile has the best chance of staying beautiful for their entire lives.
Dr. Patrick O’Connor provides preventive and corrective dental care for La Habra, Fullerton, and Brea. Our dental practice is committed to helping children and families who wish to keep their smiles bright and healthy.