How to Teach Children Proper Oral Hygiene
Everyone knows children need a lot of help and guidance in growing up. Proper oral hygiene is important to even very young children, and your child needs to learn this early in life. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a child's first visit to the dentist take place by the first birthday. There are simple things you can do to help your child learn and appreciate the importance of proper oral hygiene. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Show your child your oral hygiene method. Let him see you brushing your teeth. He will start to see how oral hygiene is just a natural part of everyday life.
-
2
Brush your child's teeth at an early age. The child needs to get used to the idea. When she is very small, you can use a washcloth to clean her teeth and gums.
-
-
3
Explain how to brush and floss teeth. Take some time and go over the whole process. Watch your child at the beginning to make sure he is brushing properly. Point out what he can do to improve, such as brushing longer.
-
4
Make brushing and flossing fun. Make a game of brushing the teeth and possibly offer a reward. The point is to make the child look forward to brushing and to associate brushing and flossing with positive things.
-
5
Give your child a chance to select some of the products. An involved child is more apt to be a part of the whole process of oral hygiene because she has been able to choose her toothbrush, for example. There are many toothbrush colors and shapes to choose from, as well as character toothbrushes. Many toothpastes now have fun flavors for children. Get your child excited about the whole process.
-
6
Explain the consequences of bad oral care. Explain calmly how cavities can happen and how people can even lose teeth. Have an honest talk about why brushing teeth is important.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit A child brushing its teeth before going to bed image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
